Leafy Fleabane

Erigeron foliosus

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Erigeron
Species:
Erigeron foliosus
USDA Symbol:
ERFO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
lavender, purple, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

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)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius) Butterflies:California Hairstreak (Satyrium californica)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, beneficial insects
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; common in chaparral and woodland edges that experience periodic burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry slopes and open areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Surface sow; seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Sow seed into trays filled with stabilized medium plugs (Q-plugs). Seal trays inside plastic bags and refrigerate at 1 to 3 °C for 70 days. Check trays weekly and keep moist. If mold is evident, treat with 1% hydrogen peroxide.

Establishment: Grows in dry, often rocky soils. Found in Oregon and California and parts of northwestern Mexico. Some sources also show a disjunct population in southern Washington.

Source: npn.rngr.net