Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-18, #517-2.
Annual Fleabane, Eastern Daisy Fleabane
Erigeron annuus
(Erigeron annuus subsp. annuus)
er-IJ-er-on AN-yoo-us
Synonyms of Erigeron annuus (23) (Updated on 11-30-23 from Plants of the World Online): Aster annuus L. (1753) (nom. cons. prop.), Aster stenactis E.H.L.Krause (1905), Cineraria corymbosa Moench (1794), Diplopappus annuus Bluff & Fingerh. (1825), Diplopappus dubius Cass. (1817), Doronicum bellidiflorum Schrank (1789), Erigeron annuus subsp. annuus, Erigeron annuus f. discoideus Vict. & J.Rousseau (1940), Erigeron annuus var. discoideus (Vict. & J.Rousseau) Cronquist (1947), Erigeron annuus subsp. lilacinus Sennikov & Kurtto (2019), Erigeron annuus var. typicus Cronquist (1947) (not validly publ.), Erigeron bellidioides Spenn. (1826), Erigeron diversifolius Rich. ex Rchb. (1831), Erigeron heterophyllus Muhl. ex Willd. (1803), Erigeron lilacinus (Sennikov & Kurtto) Sennikov (2020), Erigeron strigosus Bigelow (1824) (nom. illeg.), Phalacroloma acutifolium Cass. (1826) (nom. superfl.), Phalacroloma annuum (L.) Dumort. ex F.Mull. (1862), Pulicaria annua Gaertn. (1791), Pulicaria bellidiflora Wallr. (1822), Stenactis annua (L.) Cass. ex Less. (1832), Stenactis annua Cass. (1825), Stenactis dubia Cass. (1825)
Erigeron annuus (L.) Desf. is the accepted scientific name for the Annual Fleabane. It was named and described as such by René Louiche Desfontaines in Tableau de l’École de Botanique du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle in 1804. It was first named Aster annuus by Carl von Linnaeus in the second edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.
Many databases and websites say Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., as named and described by Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in Synopsis Plantarum in 1807. However, the International Plant Names Index says this scientific name is an isonym since it was published after the original.
The genus, Erigeron L., was named and described by Carl von Linnaeus in the second edition of Species Plantarum in 1753.
As of 11-30-23 when this page was last updated, Plants of the World Online lists 449 species in the Erigeron genus. It is a member of the plant family Asteraceae with 1,702 genera. Those numbers could change as updates are made on POWO. The number of genera in the family fluctuates quite often.
Distribution map of Erigeron annuus from Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet; http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/. Retrieved on November 1, 2021.
The above distribution map for Erigeron annuus is from Plants of the World Online. Areas in green are where the species is native and purple is where it has been introduced. This map shows where the species has been introduced in other countries. Erigeron annuus subsp. lilacinus is native to Baltic States, Finland, Sweden, Taiwan, and Vietnam. An updated map on POWO shows the species as introduced in eastern North America instead of being native… I think someone goofed…
Distribution map for Erigeron annuus from the USDA Plants Database. Published on the internet at https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/home. Retrieved on November 1, 2021.
The above distribution map for Erigeron annuus is from the USDA Plants Database for North America above Mexico. It shows the species is native to a couple more states than POWO. There are several maps online with different data, but who really knows. In the right conditions, species can spread, and in the wrong conditions, they can disappear. 🙂
The map on iNaturalist shows where members have made observations. Anyone can join and it is a great website to confirm and share your observations. The maps on iNaturalist are continually updated as members post new observations. Erigeron species for the most part are somewhat controversial and many observations posted on iNaturalist haven’t been “agreed” with by other members, mine included.
BONAP (The Biota of North America Program) maps are also very good. Clicking HERE will take you to the page of maps for all the Erigeron species in the United States.
No maps are perfect and species in this genus are difficult…
THERE ARE SEVERAL LINKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE FOR FURTHER READING AND TO HELP WITH A BETTER POSITIVE ID.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) in the main hayfield/pasture on 6-4-23, #943-50.
Have you ever wondered what the white flowers were growing in mass in pastures in the spring and summer? Well, they are possibly Erigeron annuus. Here on the farm in west-central Missouri, the main hayfield/pasture is LOADED! I believe they are ecpecially abundant in overgrazed pastures and hayfields that aren’t exactly properly maintained. Pastures that are overgrazed and not reseeded and fertilized on occasion can soon be overrun by wildflowers such as Annual Fleabane and other species. Since 2019, thpastures and hayfields here have been fertilized and reseeded, but it hasn’t appeared to do much good. The summer of 2023 was very hot and dry, and young grass just fizzled out. Even most of the wildflowers had dried up by midsummer.
Erigeron annuus can grow as an annual or biennial. This species isn’t picky about soil type and can grow in full sun to part shade. They can be found in pastures, prairies, fence rows, along roadsides, ditches, fields, and so on. Plants grow from 1 to over 4 feet in height and are said to be able to compete with invasive species quite well. The species is native to North and Central America and has also been introduced to other countries. In North America, their range is from the central part eastward then scattered from California up into Canada. No map is perfect and their range in some states may be very limited while quite widespread in others. The subspecies, Erigeron annuus subsp. lilacinus is only found in the Baltic States, Finland, Sweden, Taiwan, and Vietnam (according to the map on POWO).
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-27-22, #874-2.
Erigeron annuus grows from a basal rosette of leaves that emerge in the fall to spring.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-12-21, 843-19.
Erigeron annuus can grow to a height of around 4’ in ideal conditions, but here on the farm, they don’t grow quite that tall. Single or multiple stems arise from the rosette of basal leaves in the spring and produce many branches. Stems and branches are round and/or ridged and have short to fairly long spreading hairs (pubescent).
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-22-21, #849-8.
Basal leaves grow from about 2 to 6” long on fairly long petioles (leaf stems) and are broadly oblanceolate to broadly obovate in shape tapering toward the base. The margins are coarsely to sharply toothed and the surfaces are sparsely to moderately hairy (pubescent) with short, fairly stiff, curved hairs.
The alternate stem leaves are about an 1 to 4” long. The lower stem leaves have short petioles, while the middle and upper leaves have no petioles (sessile). Middle to upper leaves are oblanceolate, elliptic, or lanceolate in shape, taper toward the base, some slightly clasping the stem, and have pointed tips. The surfaces of the leaves are fairly smooth to moderately hairy and the margins have teeth from the midpoint to the tip.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-18, #517-3.
Panicles of numerous flower heads are produced toward the upper part of the plants.
The above photo shows flowers on top of numerous long peduncles (flower stems) and numerous bracts surrounding the ray florets (petals).
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-12-21, 843-16.
Erigeron annuus stems terminate with clusters of small white to pinkish flowers with fairly long flower stems (peduncles). Missouri Plants says the flowers have 80-125 white ray florets (petals) and A LOT of yellow disc florets in the center. The yellow corollas of the disc florets are 5-lobed. Both the ray and disc florets can be self-fertile.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-12-21, 843-17.
Bracts (involucral bracts) below the heads are green, lanceolate in shape, for a kind of vase for the flowers. Single or double row.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) without petals on 10-6-18, #517-4.
I found this cluster of Erigeron annuus in the south hayfield that had lost their ray florets…
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 6-19-19, #592-16.
The flowers are around 1/2-3/4″ wide. The flowering period is May through November as long as the weather permits…
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-12-21, 843-20.
The above photo is of the buds of the Erigeron annuus…
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-22-21, #849-9.
The above photo is a side view showing the upper leaves with smooth margins, the flowers on fairly long peduncles (flower stems) that are swollen below the bracts.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on the right and Symphyotrichum pilosum (Hairy While Oldfield Aster) on the left on 10-22-21, #849-5.
The above photo is a comparison of the flowers of Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on the right and Symphyotrichum pilosum (Hairy White Oldfield Aster) on the left. At least I think it is a Symphyotrichum pilosum… It could actually be a Symphyotrichum lanceolatum… GEEZ! I had issues with Symphyotrichum species until 2022. Heck, it got so that I just ignored them.
I “think” the photos on this page are all Erigeron annuus, but the ones at the bottom “could be” Erigeron strigosus… As I mentioned earlier, the summer of 2023 was very hot and dry and possibly could have affected how they grew. The plants were very short and received afternoon shade… Hopefully, I can keep an eye on them in 2024…
There are more photos at the bottom of the page, but of course I will be taking more.
I have enjoyed photographing and learning about the many wildflowers growing on the farm in Windsor, Missouri in Pettis County (Henry County is across the street) and other areas. The city limits is also across the street and the north and south side of the farm. I have grown over 500 different plants and identified over 250 species of wildflowers) (most have pages listed on the right side of the blog). I am not an expert, botanist, or horticulturalist. I just like growing, photographing and writing about my experience. I rely on several websites for ID and a horticulturalist I contact if I cannot figure them out. Wildflowers can be somewhat variable from location to location, so sometimes it gets a bit confusing. If you see I have made an error, please let me know so I can correct what I have written.
I hope you found this page useful and be sure to check the links below for more information. They were written by experts and provide much more information. Some sites may not be up-to-date but they are always a work in progress. If you can, I would appreciate it if you would click on the “Like” below and leave a comment. It helps us bloggers stay motivated. You can also send an email to me at thebelmontrooster@yahoo.com. I would enjoy hearing from you especially if you notice something is a bit whacky.
FOR FURTHER READING:
PLANTS OF THE WORLD ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
INTERNATIONAL PLANT NAMES INDEX (GENUS/SPECIES)
TROPICOS (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF MISSOURI (GENUS/SPECIES)
FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA (GENUS/SPECIES)
WORLD FLORA ONLINE (GENUS/SPECIES)
WIKIPEDIA (GENUS/SPECIES)
DAVE’S GARDEN
MISSOURI PLANTS
MSU-MIDWEST WEEDS AND WILDFLOWERS
iNATURALIST
WILDFLOWER SEARCH
USDA PLANTS DATABASE
ILLINOIS WILDFLOWERS
MINNESOTA WILDFLOWERS
KANSAS WILDFLOWERS AND GRASSES
PFAF (PLANTS FOR A FUTURE)
GO BOTANY
FLORA FINDER
NOTE: The data (figures, maps, accepted names, etc.) may not match on these websites. It depends on when and how they make updates and when their sources make updates. Some websites have hundreds and even many thousands of species to keep up with. Accepted scientific names change periodically and it can be hard to keep with as well. Some of the links may use a name that is a synonym on other sites. In my opinion, Plants of the World Online by Kew is the most reliable and up-to-date plant database and they make updates regularly. I make updates “at least” once a year and when I write new pages or add new photos but I do get behind. We are all a work in progress. 🙂
MORE PHOTOS…
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 5-31-18, #450-42.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-18, #517-1.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 6-19-19, #592-16.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-12-21, #843-18.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-22-21, #849-6.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-22-21, #849-7.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-22-21, #849-10.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-27-22, #874-3.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-27-22, #874-4.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-27-22, #874-5.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 5-28-22, #885-15.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 5-28-22, #885-16.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 5-28-22, #885-17.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 5-28-22, #885-18.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-9-22, #916-1.
The above photo and the next four were taken in the main hayfield in 2022.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-9-22, #916-2.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-9-22, #916-3.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-9-22, #916-4.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-9-22, #916-5.
In the main hayfield… GEEZ!
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-12-22, #918-1.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-12-22, #918-2.
Photos taken in the main hayfield in 2023…
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 6-4-23, #943-51.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 6-4-23, #943-52.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 6-4-23, #943-53.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 6-4-23, #943-54.
Photos below were taken in the south hayfield on 9-24-23 and 10-6-23.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 3-11-23, #963-23.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 3-11-23, #963-24.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 3-11-23, #963-25.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 3-11-23, #963-26.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 3-11-23, #963-27.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 3-11-23, #963-28.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-23, #964-1.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-23, #964-2.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-23, #964-3.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-23, #964-4.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 10-6-23, #964-5.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-22-24, #984-9.
The above photo and the next three were taken of plants in the area north of the chicken house on 4-22-24.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-22-24, #984-10.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-22-24, #984-11.
Erigeron annuus (Annual Fleabane) on 4-22-24, #984-12.
The Belmont Rooster 