Native Plants
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Erigeron pulchellus
Erigeron pulchellus Michx.
Robin's Plantain, Poor Robin's Plantain, Rose Petty, Robert's Plantain, Blue Spring-daisy
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ERPU
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Soft stems, 12-24 in. high, rise from rosettes appearing along surface runners. The paddle-shaped, basal leaves are soft and hairy. Lavender-blue to white flowers with yellow centers are borne in several-headed clusters. The flowers somewhat resemble asters but the rays are much slenderer and more numerous.
These plants form colonies.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Fruit: Fruit is a cypsela (pl. cypselae). Though technically incorrect, the fruit is often referred to as an achene.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Yellow , Blue , PurpleBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: ME & Ont. to s.e. MN, s. to GA, MS & e. TX
Native Habitat: Rich, woods; stream banks; fields
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Rich, sandy soils
Value to Beneficial Insects
Supports Conservation Biological ControlThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Seeds may be sown outside in late fall or the following spring without any cold treatment. Only a small percentage of the seeds will germinate, so sow thickly. Seeds require light for germination. A more practical method of propagation is division. SeSeed Collection: Nutlets develop rapidly in the 2-3 weeks following bloom period. Collect seedheads in a paper bag when the nutlets begin to turn brown. Air-dry, clean and seal in a stored, refrigerated container.
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1990 VOL. 7, NO.4 - Research Update, Wild-Collecting Endangers Natives, Director's Report, Maryland ...Additional resources
USDA: Find Erigeron pulchellus in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Erigeron pulchellus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Erigeron pulchellus
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-12-26Research By: TWC Staff