Contents
Description
Erigeron Oreophilus, commonly known as the mountain fleabane, is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to North America. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is commonly found in the mountainous regions of California, Nevada, and Oregon. This plant is known for its bright purple flowers that bloom in the summer and fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Erigeron |
Appearance
The mountain fleabane is a perennial plant that grows up to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It has a compact, mounding habit and produces numerous stems from a central crown. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring around 2 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. The flowers are daisy-like and measure around 1 inch in diameter. They are composed of numerous purple petals with yellow centers. The blooms are long-lasting and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
Water: The mountain fleabane prefers well-draining soil and moderate moisture. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: The mountain fleabane prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
Sunlight: The mountain fleabane prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Hardiness Zones: The mountain fleabane is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The mountain fleabane is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If necessary, treat with a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew.
Habitat
The mountain fleabane is native to the mountainous regions of California, Nevada, and Oregon. It is commonly found in rocky, well-draining soils in meadows, open woods, and along streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the mountain fleabane a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the mountain fleabane is a great plant for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How often should I water my mountain fleabane?
A: Water your mountain fleabane deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the mountain fleabane?
A: The mountain fleabane is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Q: Can the mountain fleabane tolerate shade?
A: The mountain fleabane prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Related Plants
- Erigeron annuus – Eastern Daisy Fleabane
- Erigeron speciosus – Aspen Fleabane
- Erigeron glaucus – Seaside Daisy
- Erigeron karvinskianus – Mexican Daisy
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EROR2
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fleabane/growing-fleabane-plants.htm
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/erigeron-oreophilus-mountain-fleabane
