Erigeron annuus

Erigeron annuus (annual fleabane, daisy fleabane, or eastern daisy fleabane) is a North American plant species in the daisy family. Erigeron annuus is a herbaceous plant with alternate, simple leaves, and green, sparsely hairy stems, which can grow to between 30 and 150 centimeters (about 1 to 5 feet) in height. Leaves are numerous and large relative to other species of Erigeron, with lower leaves, especially basal leaves, coarsely toothed or cleft, a characteristic readily distinguishing this species from most other Erigeron. Upper leaves are sometimes (not always) toothed, but may have a few coarse teeth towards the outer tips. The flower heads are white with yellow centers, with rays that are white to pale lavender, borne spring through fall depending on the individual plant. Ray florets number 40-100. Erigeron annuus is native to North America, and is found in 43 of the 48 states within the contiguous United States. It is widespread in many of them, especially in the eastern part of its range, but occurs only in scattered locations in the western and southernmost parts of its range. It has been introduced to many other places, including Korea. It often grows as an annual but can sometimes grow as a biennial. Erigeron annuus is a native pioneer species that often colonizes disturbed areas such as pastures, abandoned fields, vacant lots, roadsides, railways, and waste areas. In these habitats it competes, often successfully, with introduced invasive weeds. Erigeron annuus grows well in full through partial sun, on sites with ample moisture. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, including gravel and clay. In hot, dry weather, lower leaves often yellow and wither. Flowers are pollinated by a variety of bees, including little carpenter bees, cuckoo bees, halictine bees, and masked bees; as well as flies, including syrphid flies, bee flies, tachinid flies, flesh flies, anthomyiid flies, and muscid flies. Wasps, small butterflies, and other insects also visit the flowers to a lesser degree, seeking nectar, as well as a few pollen-feeding beetles.