Bristly Fleabane

erigeron acris

Also known as: ["Common Fleabane","Bristly Daisy"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Erigeron Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant with daisy-like flowers and finely divided leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Erigeron
Botanical Name: Erigeron acris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden border, rock garden, or meadow setting
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to well-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but thrives with moderate fertility.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade. Divide clumps every 2–3 years.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Deadheading is light; division is moderate to heavy.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in humid conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering or poor drainage), stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or compacted soil), or root rot (waterlogged soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Full sun is best; avoid deep shade; rotate pots for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Soil

well-drained, moderately fertile soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates frost but may struggle in extreme heat.

Protect from extreme heat; mulch in winter; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; avoid nitrogen-heavy feeds; apply before active growth begins.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring or early fall.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in moist medium.
  5. Keep humid until roots form.

Best Time: Spring or early fall when temperatures are mild and plants are actively growing.

Environment

Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light. Protect from direct sun until roots form.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.

Timeline

Stem cuttings root in 2–4 weeks. Division establishes quickly, often flowering the same year.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings humid; avoid overwatering.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node. Divide clumps by digging up and splitting with a sharp knife or spade.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Trim leggy growth to maintain shape. Divide clumps every 2–3 years to rejuvenate.

Tools

Hand pruners, sharp knife, spade, gloves.

Checklist

Use clean tools; deadhead regularly; divide when overcrowded.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins or early fall.

Pot Size

Move to a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim dead roots; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Division is often preferred over repotting alone.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for even moisture delivery without wetting leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility. Mix in sand or perlite to improve drainage if needed.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat or cold stress.

Cold Stress

Plants may become dormant but typically survive cold winters. Prolonged freezing without protection can damage roots.

Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter. Avoid overwatering before freezes to prevent root damage.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering. Plants may go semi-dormant in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture. Increase humidity if grown indoors.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which can reduce flowering. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Erigeron acris may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. It can also be a sign of stress due to environmental factors such as excessive sunlight or poor soil conditions.

Wilting in Erigeron acris is often caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering. It can also result from root damage or pest infestations that disrupt water uptake.

Leaf spots on Erigeron acris are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to unsightly lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant over time.

Rotting in Erigeron acris is typically caused by fungal infections or bacterial pathogens, often exacerbated by overwatering or poor drainage. Root and stem rot can lead to plant death if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to liver damage from the pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in Erigeron acris, especially with chronic exposure.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy anorexia jaundice
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Erigeron acris can lead to liver toxicity in dogs, particularly with repeated exposure.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy loss of appetite jaundice
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of dogs. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Erigeron acris contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage upon chronic ingestion. The toxic effects are cumulative and may not manifest immediately.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain liver damage
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Do not use in teas or herbal remedies.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Erigeron acris toxic to pets?

A: There is insufficient data to confirm toxicity to pets.

Q: How often should Erigeron acris be watered?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.

Q: Does Erigeron acris attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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