Pulicaria dysenterica Seeds | Fleabane
LATIN NAME: Pulicaria dysenterica
COMMON NAME: Fleabane
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) is a perennial in the daisy family. Fleabane holds its many small, yellow, daisy-like flower heads above narrow, hairy leaves, and the whole plant stands in the low, leafy clumps. The flowering period doubles as a feeding season for bees and other pollinators. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the daisy family, Pulicaria dysenterica contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Fleabane works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. It is a fine, bright plant of open, sunny, moist, well-drained garden. Give young plants moist, well-drained bed, and daisy-like heads will open through the summer. To grow fleabane from seed, sow small, brown seeds just under surface of deep pot of fine, sandy soil, keep pot in a bright, open spot and water gently, then set young plants out in open ground. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Fleabane relatives were traditional insect-repelling strewing herbs; they are modest daisies with modest records.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Fleabane under ordinary good conditions. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Its long record of traditional use, described above, gives the plant a story beyond ornament. Once established, Fleabane largely looks after itself. Sun and good drainage cover most of its demands.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Fleabane: