Skip to content
← Plant Database

Philadelphia Fleabane

Erigeron philadelphicus

Also listed as Stenactis philadelphica, Tessenia philadelphia

Also known as Robin's-plantain, Daisy Fleabane, Philadelphia Daisy

herbaceous☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 4a – Zone 9b

Climate Match for your location

See how well Philadelphia Fleabane grows in your area.

Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.

Philadelphia fleabane is a native wildflower with hairy stems and pink or purple daisy-like flowers that bloom in late spring. It attracts pollinators and tolerates dry conditions once established.

Why grow it

Philadelphia fleabane serves as a reliable early-season nectar source for native bees and other pollinators when few other flowers are available in late spring. Compared to cultivated ornamentals requiring supplemental water and fertility, this species establishes well in lean, dry soils once root systems develop, making it useful for low-maintenance plantings and habitat restoration in eastern North America.

Watch out for

In favorable conditions with consistent moisture, Philadelphia fleabane can self-seed prolifically and may outcompete slower-growing perennials in small garden spaces. Plants may appear sparse or ungainly if grown in heavy shade or overly fertile soil, performing best with full sun exposure.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
1.5–2.8′ tall × 1–1.5′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous
Family
Asteraceae
MedicinalErosion controlFodderPollinators & beneficial insects

Native to the United States

Native Range

Eastern North America

Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Similar herbs you might consider:

Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.

Companion Planting

Plants well with