Erigeron annuus
Annual Fleabane, daisy fleabane, white top, tall fleabane, sweet-scabious
Description: winter or summer annual
Place of origin: eastern North America
Urban habitat: commonly found along roadsides, urban meadows, vacant lots, railroad tracks, in gravel, ditches and floodplains, waste areas; thrives in moist conditions in full sun but will also tolerate dry soils.
Ecological function: disturbance-adapted pioneer species; food for wildlife.
History: Native to eastern North America, Erigeron annuus is now found widely throughout the world. The plant was used by Native American tribes to treat a variety of ailments. The common name “fleabane” is from Old English referring to the plant’s odor, which purportedly repels fleas.