Philadelphia Fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © tgower (iNaturalist #89402453)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Erigeron
- Species:
- Erigeron philadelphicus
- USDA Symbol:
- ERPH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, lavender
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
Schinia obscurata
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), Half-black bumble bee (Bombus vagans), Zadontomerus Ashmead Butterflies:Eastern Tailed-Blue (Cupido comyntas), Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in meadows and open woods
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; surface sow on moist soil and keep warm.
Pre-treatment: Seeds germinate at 35/20 C. Germination is greater in light than dark.
Establishment: E. philadelphicus is found throughout North America. No conflicting information found in the provided protocol.
Source: npn.rngr.net