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.'
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