Spreading Fleabane

Erigeron divergens

Native to:
Canada, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Erigeron
Species:
Erigeron divergens
USDA Symbol:
ERDI4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Biennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white, pink, lavender, blue

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Cucullia lilacina

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, small pollinators
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; common in post-fire plant communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Common in arid and semi-arid regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: None required

Source: npn.rngr.net