Hairy Fleabane Erigeron bonariensis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Conyza ambigua
- Conyza bonariensis
- Conyza crispa
- Erigeron crispus
- Erigeron linifolius
- Phonetic Spelling
- er-IJ-er-on boh-nair-ee-EN-sis
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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The common name, Hairy Fleabane is derived from the stiff bristles that are found on the stems, leaves and flowers of this plant. It has been thought that this plant, as well as other varieties of Erigeron could be used as a means of repelling fleas. That myth has proven to be incorrect, but the common names referring to fleas is still in use.
Native to Central and South America, this weed has spread to all of North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
It is a rapidly growing summer annual or biennial weed in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. It can be found in disturbed sides, roadsides, urban areas, and cultivated fields and even in the cracks in pavement. It is often found to be growing in locations where Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), and Telegraph weed (Heterotheca grandiflora) are present. These three weeds are said to be the most unsightly weeds that grow as natives in California. The plant is rarely found in North Carolina.
Considered invasive, it spreads when its fluffy seeds are blown by the wind, washed into the surrounding area by rainwater and by human activity. Seeds that are spread remain viable for up to 3 years. Elimination of this weed allows other more valued natives to survive, however, is curtailed by the plants' resistance to some herbicides.
In commercial sites, such as orchards, its invasive nature has become problematic, interfering with the crops being grown. In South America, it is a host for the lettuce mosaic virus, affecting the yield produced.
Flowers form in clusters that can bloom year round.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant is considered to be invasive. Dermatitis can occur when contact with any part of the plant is made.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Erigeron
- Species:
- bonariensis
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Invasive weed
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South and Central America
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Weed
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Looks like a small “puffball” of a dandelion bristle bearing seeds form a fuzzy, spherical, cream-colored "head". Seeds are tiny, narrow, football-shaped, or oblong, and approximately 1/17 of an inch
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Panicle
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Bracts
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Head flowers are found on the end of stems with a green, cup-shaped base formed by bracts that overlap. It tapers toward the top with small, yellow disk flowers surrounded by cream-colored bristles.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Soft
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Entire
- Lobed
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Gray-green leaves entire to slightly toothed. Basal leaves as well as alternating leaves along the stems.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Hairy (pubescent)
- Stem Description:
- Its erect stems are striated and covered with stiff hairs.
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Landscape:
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis