Annual Fleabane

Erigeron annuus

Alternate names
Daisy Fleabane

Weed Description
A summer annual or sometimes biennial reaching 1 to 2 ft in height with prominent white and yellow flowers. Primarily a weed of abandoned fields or pastures, but occasionally associated with agronomic crops. Found throughout the southeastern United States.

Leaves
Occur mostly at the stem base. Basal leaves are egg-shaped (ovate) or widest near the middle and tapering to both ends (lanceolate), 2-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide, and have petioles. Upper leaves are long and narrow (linear) or slightly lanceolate, much smaller than the basal leaves and may occur on short petioles or lack petioles. All leaves are prominently toothed and sparingly hairy.

Stems
Solid with many soft hairs.

Flowers
Arranged in clusters forming a flat-topped inflorescence, with the outer flowers opening first (corymb). Outer ray flowers are white or less often light purple, 5-10 mm long, with an inner core of yellow disc flowers.

Identifying Characteristics
Solid stem, white flowers with a yellow center, ovate-lanceolate basal leaves, linear-lanceolate upper leaves.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Annual Fleabane

Erigeron annuus