Alpine Yellow Fleabane
ExplorePlants
Alpine Yellow Fleabane
erigeron aureus
The Alpine Yellow Fleabane (Erigeron aureus) is a delightful, low-growing perennial herb that brings a splash of brilliant gold to the stark, windswept landscapes of northwestern North America's high mountain ranges. Thriving in alpine and subalpine zones, this resilient little plant clings to rocky crevices, talus slopes, and gravelly ridges where few other species can survive. It is celebrated by hikers and botanists alike for its cheerful, daisy-like appearance, which stands in stark contrast to the rugged alpine terrain. As a true high-altitude specialist, Erigeron aureus has evolved to withstand extreme cold, intense ultraviolet radiation, and drying winds, making it a rugged survivor of the peaks.
Habitat: Found on rocky ridges, scree slopes, and alpine meadows at high elevations, typically near or above the treeline.
Appearance
This species is easily recognized by its bright golden-yellow flower heads, which measure about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters across. Unlike most other fleabanes, which have white or violet ray florets, the Alpine Yellow Fleabane features brilliant yellow petals surrounding a darker orange-yellow central disc. The plant is diminutive, reaching only 5 to 15 centimeters in height. Its spatula-shaped leaves are densely covered in fine, white, woolly hairs, giving the foliage a soft, greyish-green appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusErigeron
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its common name 'fleabane,' there is no scientific evidence that this plant can actually repel fleas.
It is one of the very few Erigeron species with bright yellow flowers, as most others are white, pink, or light violet.
The plant's deep taproot allows it to anchor firmly into shifting gravelly scree slopes and access deep water reserves.
Special abilities
Ability
Woolly Insulation
Dense, fine white hairs coat the leaves and stems, acting as insulation against freezing alpine temperatures and reducing water loss from drying winds.
Ability
Compact Growth Habit
Forms a low-lying, ground-hugging rosette that minimizes exposure to wind and traps a micro-layer of warm air close to the soil.
Ability
UV Protection
Synthesizes specialized protective pigments and reflects intense high-altitude solar radiation using its reflective leaf hairs.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 5-15 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-10 years
Diet & Feeding
As a plant, it creates its own energy from sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed from rocky alpine soils.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil minerals
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
mutualism
Forest Bumblebee
Bombus sylvicola
Pollinated by high-altitude bees seeking nectar during the brief summer flowering window.
eaten by
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Hoary Marmot
Marmota caligata
Leaves and stems may be occasionally grazed by alpine rodents looking for green vegetation.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Alpine Yellow Fleabane?
The easiest way to identify Alpine Yellow Fleabane is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Alpine Yellow Fleabane?
5-15 cm
How long does Alpine Yellow Fleabane live?
3-10 years
What does Alpine Yellow Fleabane eat?
As a plant, it creates its own energy from sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential nutrients absorbed from rocky alpine soils.
Where is Alpine Yellow Fleabane usually found?
Found on rocky ridges, scree slopes, and alpine meadows at high elevations, typically near or above the treeline.
How does Alpine Yellow Fleabane hunt?
Foraging
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