Erigeron acer

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Erigeron acer is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Grassy slopes on the high mountains of C. and N. Japan.

Northern Europe to eastern Asia - China and Japan. Also found in northern America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - boiled. A famine food, used only when all else fails.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Grows well in dry situations. Succeeds in maritime gardens. There is some doubt over the correct name of this species. E. acris is said to be a synonym of E. acer, the report of edibility refers to the sub-species E. acris kamtschaticus. The entry is included under E. acer but this needs further investigation. Very few members of this genus will hybridise with other members of the genus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed usually germinates within four weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial/Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. acris. E. acris kamtschaticus. (DC.)Herder.