Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus): pink Minnesota wildflowers

Philadelphia Fleabane

Plant Info
Also known as:	Common Fleabane
Scientific name:	Erigeron philadelphicus
Family:	Aster (Asteraceae)
Life cycle:	biennial, short-lived perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	sun to part shade; moist soil, open woods, open fields, along shores
Bloom season:	spring, summer
Plant height:	6 to 36 inches
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park Vadnais/Snail Lake Regional Park

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Flower:: Flowers are from ½ to ¾ inches across, with 100 or more pink to white thread-like petals (ray flowers) and a yellow center. The flowers close at night so early in the day only the pink buds may be seen. One plant usually has 10 or more flower heads branching off at the top of the plant.
Leaves and stem:: Leaves are somewhat variable. Around the base of the plant is a rosette of nearly spoon shaped leaves with rounded tips. Basal leaves have coarse rounded teeth at the tip end and are up to 6 inches long, alternately attached but crowded around the stem.
As the leaves ascend the stem they become more widely spaced and the shape becomes more eliptical with a pointed tip and more pointed teeth. The base of these leaves clasps the stem. The stem leaves average about 4 inches long and about 1 inch wide. Leaves at the top of the plant near the flowers are much smaller, more heart shaped and toothless. All leaves are hairy. The main stem is also covered in hair.
Notes:: Philadelphia Fleabane is similar to Annual Fleabane (E. annus) and Daisy Fleabane (E. strigosus). Philadelphia Fleabane blooms earlier in the season and has pinker flowers. It also has clasping leaves, which the other 2 species do not. Also of note is the common name “Daisy Fleabane” is often used for all 3 species, so don't let that confuse you.