Erigeron acris aka Bitter Daisy

Erigeron acris, or blue fleabane, belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. Its native range spans temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Sources describe its lifespan in different ways. It may grow as an annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial. This small wildflower suits meadows, coastal sites, and wildlife gardens.

Plants form clumps with a rosette of leaves at ground level. Garden height ranges from about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre). The RHS description gives about 1.6 feet (0.5 metre). Spread reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 metre). The upright stems have dense hairs and may look green or reddish. The lower leaves are grey-green, with shallow teeth along their edges. Some have lobes and a spoon-like shape. Leaves grow smaller farther up the stem. These upper leaves grow alternately and may clasp the stem. The foliage is deciduous.

Small flowerheads grow in loose, branched clusters called panicles. The RHS gives their width as roughly half an inch. Pale purple ray florets surround a pale yellow central disc. The rays extend only a little beyond the disc florets. The RHS places flowering from midsummer into early autumn. NC State also lists summer and autumn flowers. Its account includes pink and white rays around yellow centres. Butterflies visit the flowers, adding value to wildlife plantings. Brown fruits, called achenes, follow the flowers. Each has a tuft of hairs that helps wind carry it.

Grow this plant in full sun and well-drained soil. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It favours neutral to alkaline ground, with alkaline soil preferred. NC State also records tolerance of acidic soil. Dry to moist conditions suit it, and NC State notes drought resistance. Coastal gardens and sand dunes provide suitable sites. The RHS rates its hardiness H7. NC State lists USDA zones 2–7. Plants grow at a moderate rate and need little upkeep. Raise new plants from seed; pruning is not needed.

Plants can self-seed and suit meadow or mass plantings. NC State also notes resistance to deer. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems. Yet hot, humid conditions may cause poor growth. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and rust can occur. NC State records past medicinal use of leaf tea. That history does not establish food use or safety.