Blue Fleabane Erigeron acris

Native to the north-western US, This delicate wildflower that blooms between April and June can be found growing along forest edges, in forests, meadows, and along the shores of rivers and lakes. It is considered a biennial or short-lived perennial.

Each stem will boast several stalked flower heads.  Each flower head is 0.5-1 in. with 100 or more pink to pale magenta 1/4", thread-like rays or petals. The rays/petals are each 1/4" long. Encasing the flower head are several layers of various length bracts that taper to a pointed tip.  They may be covered with spreading hairs that can be mixed with minute glandular hairs.  

Plants contain both basal foliage and alternate foliage along the stem.

It likes thickets, fields, and open woods. Some shade is tolerated in hotter climates, It is, however, easy to grow in a variety of garden locations. Plant between 1.5 and 2 feet apart.  It self-seeds easily.  Plant in mass in a cottage, butterfly, or rock garden, or let it naturalize in a meadow.

Fleabane is often confused with plants in the Aster genus, but it blooms later in the season than Asters and the flower bracts do not overlap like they do with Aster flowers.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It may not thrive in a very hot and humid climate, which may also be factored in some susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spots, and rust.

More information on Erigeron.