Philadelphia Fleabane
Erigeron philadelphicus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Erigeron philadelphicus is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies), bees, Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.7
Where it is found
Thickets. Fields and woods. Low prairies and streambanks, often on calcareous clays.
N. America - Labrador to British Columbia, south to Florida and California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
A tea made from the plant is astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic and emmenagogue. It is used in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, gout, gravel, epilepsy and menstrual problems. A poultice of the plant is used to treat headaches and is also applied to sores. It should not be taken by pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage. A snuff made from the powdered florets is used to make a person with catarrh sneeze.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.
Errhine: Produces sneezing.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Plants succeed in maritime gardens. Plants grow in calcareous and clay soils in the wild. Plants produce masses of seed and often self-sow freely when in a suitable position. 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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Contact with the plant can cause dermatitis in sensitive people.