Daisy Fleabane – 6/28/10

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/28/10

Observation Time: 1:55 p.m.

Observation Location: 147 Wolomolopoag St., Sharon

Common Name: Daisy Fleabane

Scientific Name: Erigeron annuus

Comments: Fleabanes get their common name from an old belief that they repelled fleas and other pestiferous insects. Early European settlers in North America stuffed mattresses with fleabane and hung clusters of plants in their cabins to drive out fleas. The custom persisted for generations, even though Daisy Fleabane appears to have no insect-repelling ability whatsoever. In fact, the plant ATTRACTS insects—not only pollinators but also tiny herbivores that nibble away the ray flowers and leave only the central disk.

More Information: Hilton Pond Center