Philadelphia Fleabane - Erigeron philadelphicus

Erigeron philadelphicus, or Philadelphia Fleabane, is a short-lived perennial wildflower native to Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The common name comes from pungent smoke when burned, said to repel fleas. It also has a long list of possible medicinal uses. We like it because of the substantial show of lacy white or pink flowers and their hoard of adoring pollinators. In the U.P. the attractive pink variant is common, but the white is also lovely. The list of native bees, flies, butterflies, beetles, moths, and other pollinators supported by this plant is long, and the foliage hosts some of our more fun moth caterpillars, such as the Wavy Lined Emerald.
 
Usually around 2 feet in height, Philadelphia Fleabane can be a bit shorter or taller depending on conditions. It grows fast and lives fast, blooming fairly early, in late spring, May or June. Keep mulch to a minimum to encourage reseeding. It prefers dappled shade or sun with moisture in open forests, meadows, or shorelines. A valuable plant for your early-season pollinator lineup.