Pulicaria dysenterica aka Common Fleabane

Pulicaria dysenterica, commonly known as common fleabane or meadow false fleabane in North America, is a perennial species of fleabane in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and can be found growing in various habitats, ranging from semi-arid Mediterranean woodlands to wetter areas. This plant forms dense clusters through its spreading roots and can reach a maximum height of about 60 centimeters (2.0 ft). The leaves are alternately arranged and clasp the stem, which contains a salty-astringent liquid. In July to September, it produces flat, yellow, daisy-like flower heads with a prominent center of 40-100 disc florets surrounded by 20-30 narrow, pistillate ray florets. When setting seed, the flower heads reflex. The common fleabane has had various historical uses, including being burned as incense to repel insects and being used in treatments for dysentery and ocular maladies. It serves as the main food plant for the Fleabane Tortoise Beetle (Cassida murraea) and four micromoths, namely Apodia bifractella, Ptocheuusa paupella, Dusky Plume (Oidaematophorus lithodactyla), and Digitivalva pulicariae. This plant is widespread in the UK and Ireland, except for the far north, and is commonly found in marshy areas or along the banks of streams. It can also be an unwelcome weed in gardens, as it is challenging to eradicate once established. While the flowers appear in August, they are usually past their prime by mid-September. Overall, Pulicaria dysenterica is a useful plant with its ecological role as a food source and its historical medicinal uses. However, its tendency to spread and its ability to thrive in damp conditions make it a challenging plant to manage in certain settings.