Showy Fleabane

Erigeron speciosus

light purple rays and yellow disk flower

thin light purple rays and yellow disk of open flower with some closed purple buds

Plant Description

Showy fleabane is a perennial wildflower native to montane meadows, open forests, and streambanks of western North America. It grows 1–2 feet tall, with slender stems bearing narrow leaves and daisy-like flower heads that bloom in summer. The blossoms feature numerous narrow lavender to purple rays surrounding a bright yellow disk, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Ecologically, showy fleabane contributes to meadow and riparian plant diversity, provides forage for insects, and offers late-season color and nectar in mountain and foothill ecosystems. Its resilience and ornamental appeal also make it useful in restoration plantings and a beautiful addition to native gardens.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Forb
Habitats	Bottomland forests Fencelines Forest edges Forest openings Gardens Little Habitats Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Oak woodlands Orchards Parklands Prairies Residential yards Riparian areas Roadsides Seeps Trailsides Upland prairies Woodlands
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Dry to moist
Special Uses	Attracts pollinators and or other beneficial insects Blooms August Blooms July Blooms June Blooms September-October Deciduous Drought tolerant Flowering Flowers purple Good for rock garden Good for shady woodland garden Hedgerow Herbaceous Ornamental Perennial Produces pollen Restoration/revegetation
Shade Preference	Full shade Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	up to 36"