Common fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica
Table of Contents
The lovely yellow flowers of common fleabane add a splash of colour to damp woodland, marshes, pond and riverbanks toward the end of summer. It’s an important plant for pollinators attracting bees, butterflies and dragonflies.
Plant family: Asteraceae
Aliases: Fleabane, wild marigold
Flowering period: August – September
Flower colour: Yellow
Preferred soil type: Moist, fertile
Habitat: Damp woodland, ditch banks, marshes, damp meadows and grassland
Status: Common
General information
An attractive, end of the season, flowering perennial wildflower, native to Europe and Asia and a member of the daisy family of plants. It takes its name from the strong odour produced by the leaves (reminiscent of carbolic soap and chrysanthemum) which repels insects and was in fact used for this very purpose in days gone bye.
Common fleabane spreads by rhizomes (underground runner) and by seed and can reach nearly a metre in height. Its a plant of moist, damp areas, such as ditches, damp woodland, marshes and pond margins and although it will tolerate some shade, it’s happiest growing in full sunlight.
Identification
Flowers: The large daisy like flowers are borne in clusters and are sometimes confused with corn marigold. They measure up to 30mm in diameter with an inner disc of up to 100 disc florets, surrounded by many short ray florets.
Leaves: The basal leaves are oblong, withering away before the plant flowers, while the stem leaves are downy, alternate, clasp the stem and have wrinkled edges.
Value for wildlife
A great plant for wildlife as it attracts bees, butterflies and dragonflies and is on the RHS perfect for pollinators listing.
Uses for common fleabane
Fleabane is an edible plant, the leaves can be consumed, either raw or preferably cooked and added to other greens. In the past it was used for the treatment of dysentery.
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