Erigeron philadephicus
Common Fleabane, Philadelphia fleabane, daisy fleabane, marsh, fleabane, frost-root, skervish, robin’s-plantain
Description: perennial place of origin: North America
Urban habitat: commonly found along roadsides, urban meadows, vacant lots, railroad tracks, in gravel, ditches and floodplains; thrives in moist conditions in full sun but will also tolerate partial shade.
Ecological function: disturbance-adapted pioneer species; food for wildlife.
History: Erigeron philadephicus was used by many Native American tribes for medicinal purposes, for treatment of epilepsy, headache, colds, coughs, diarrhea, fever, eye aliments, skin problems, gout, kidney aliments, menstruation problems, to induce miscarriages, and for heart trouble. It was also used as forage for livestock. The common name “fleabane” is from Old English referring to the plant’s odor, which purportedly repels fleas.