Daisy vs. Fleabane

Erigeron peregrinus, June 30, 2020

Erigeron peregrinus, June 30, 2020

E. peregrinus, curling red phyllaries, June 30, 2020

E. peregrinus, curling red phyllaries, June 30, 2020

Common & scientific name
Subalpine daisy, Erigeron peregrinus

Family
Sunflower, Asteraceae

Location
Lost Man campground area, 10,400’ & north side summit, 12,500’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
I prefer “daisy” over the more commonly used “fleabane” for this lovely flower—it deserves better!  (“Fleabane” apparently referred to the Erigeron genus’s ability to drive away fleas or other insects when burned—which would probably hold true for many things.)  This Erigeron can be distinguished from the many lavender/purple erigerons to come this summer by its wider florets and red-tipped phyllaries that curl backward (see photo at bottom left).

E. peregrinus, August 24, 2020

E. peregrinus, August 24, 2020