Weed of the week: Fleabane

Today I found Fleabane growing in the alley behind the library.

“Daisy fleabane (Erigeron annuus) is a common, and fast-growing broadleaf weed found in Pennsylvania lawns and other low maintenance turf areas. This species is a member of the aster family, and has an annual life cycle – germinating from seed in early spring, flowering in early to mid May, and dying at the end of the growing season. Its common name comes from the belief that dried plant material will repel fleas.

If not mowed, daisy fleabane plants can grow over three feet tall, but typically reach only a few inches in height before being mowed in lawns. When flower buds begin to form, the top of the plant bends over to form a Sheppard’s crook. Lower leaves are elongated, lance-shaped with serrated margins, and tend to grow in a rosette. Upper leaves on stems are smaller, narrow, and alternately arranged on stems.”

Daisy fleabane is easily recognized by the small clusters of daisy-like flowers produced at the top of each plant. Flowers are about ½–¾” in diameter, the central disk florets are yellow, and are surrounded by many (50-120) fringe-like white rays.
Penn State Extension 

 

Medicinal Action and Uses---The leaves when bruised have a somewhat soap-like smell. The sap that lies in the tissues is bitter, astringent and saltish, so that animals will not eat the plant, and this astringent character, to which no doubt the medicinal properties are to be ascribed, is imparted to decoctions and infusions of the dried herb. 

The following is taken from Miss E. S. Rohde's Old English Herbals: 'Fleabane bound to the forehead is a great helpe to cure one of the frensie.' 

The Modern Herbal