Shaggy Fleabane

erigeron pumilus

Shaggy Fleabane (Erigeron pumilus) is a charming and resilient perennial wildflower native to the vast dry regions of western North America. Thriving in sagebrush plains, rocky slopes, and open grasslands, this tough little plant is well-adapted to survive arid environments. Its most distinctive feature is its dense covering of stiff, spreading white hairs, which give the entire plant a rough, 'shaggy' appearance. This hairiness is not just for show; it serves as a critical defense against water loss and harsh solar radiation. In late spring and early summer, Shaggy Fleabane produces a cheerful display of daisy-like flower heads. Each flower head consists of numerous narrow, white to pale lavender-pink ray florets surrounding a bright yellow central disc. As a key component of its native ecosystem, it provides valuable sustenance to diverse pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and beetles. To easily track and identify Shaggy Fleabane on your next adventure, download the Snappit app.

Habitat: Found in dry, open plains, sagebrush steppes, and rocky foothill slopes, typically in sandy or gravelly soils.

Appearance

This low-growing perennial stands between 5 and 30 centimeters tall, forming neat tufts of stems. The entire plant, including the stems, narrow alternate leaves, and flower bracts, is densely covered in prominent, spreading white hairs. Its daisy-like flower heads, measuring about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters across, feature 50 to 100 thin, linear ray petals that are typically bright white, though they can occasionally range to pale pink or lavender. These ray petals surround a prominent, flat center of golden-yellow disc florets.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusErigeron

Shaggy Fleabane

Interesting facts

Erigeron pumilus is exceptionally hairy, a physical defense mechanism that helps it retain moisture and deter herbivores in arid climates.

Indigenous peoples historically used various fleabane species for traditional medicinal remedies, including treating colds and headaches.

The name 'fleabane' comes from an old belief that dried plants could repel or kill fleas.

Special abilities

The dense coating of stiff, white hairs creates a boundary layer of air, dramatically reducing transpiration and protecting the plant from drying winds.

The pale, hairy surface reflects excess ultraviolet radiation, preventing sunburn and heat damage in exposed, high-altitude environments.

A deep, sturdy taproot system allows the plant to access moisture deep within parched soils and remain securely anchored in shifting gravel.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-30 cm
Lifespan: 2-10 years

Diet & Feeding

As a photoautotrophic plant, it manufactures its own organic nutrients from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through the process of photosynthesis.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Ecological connections

mutualism

Western Bumble Bee

Bombus occidentalis

Bees visit the flowers to collect nectar and pollen, acting as primary pollinators.

eaten by

Pronghorn

Antilocapra americana

The foliage is occasionally grazed by native western mammals as part of their mixed herbivorous diet.

host plant

Sagebrush Checkerspot

Chlosyne acastus

Provides nectar for various native butterflies and serves as a potential host plant.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Shaggy Fleabane?

The easiest way to identify Shaggy Fleabane is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Shaggy Fleabane?

5-30 cm

How long does Shaggy Fleabane live?

2-10 years

What does Shaggy Fleabane eat?

As a photoautotrophic plant, it manufactures its own organic nutrients from sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through the process of photosynthesis.

Where is Shaggy Fleabane usually found?

Found in dry, open plains, sagebrush steppes, and rocky foothill slopes, typically in sandy or gravelly soils.