Daisy Fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus var. philadelphicus
Care
Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.
2–8ft tall
Mar-May
Prized
Throughout California in disturbed areas, grassland, and open woodland from sea level to 6000 ft elevation, native to North America.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant daisy fleabane in spring (April onward) in loamy or clay soil - avoid sandy soils where it struggles to establish. This plant naturally grows in open areas like fields and roadsides, so give it plenty of sun exposure. Space plants according to their mature height of 2 to 8 feet, keeping in mind they'll spread as a herbaceous ground cover.
After Planting
Water regularly during your first spring and summer growing season (April through July) to help the plant establish, then reduce watering as it matures since it tolerates the Bay Area's drier conditions. Daisy fleabane is deciduous and will die back seasonally - this is normal, not a sign of failure. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering during summer dormancy; let the plant rest naturally rather than trying to keep it green year-round.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Uses plant structure for roosting and nesting habitat
Insects
Spring migration staging and spring broods
Early season specialist forager
Spring and early summer foraging
Spring emergence and early season broods
Spring foraging for colony establishment
Spring pollinator and aphid predator
Early season pollen source when plant blooms
Early season hover fly pollinator
+4 more species