Erigeron breviscapus Seeds | Shortscape Fleabane
LATIN NAME: Erigeron breviscapus
COMMON NAME: Shortscape Fleabane
Plant Profile
Shortscape Fleabane (Erigeron breviscapus) is a low, tufted, perennial in the daisy family. Shortscape fleabane is pale daisy of high meadow, and white rays with yellow centres open through the summer. Plant has a long record in old practice of high country as tonic herb of the head. It is a plant of open, sunny to partly shaded, well-drained ground. Its flowers draw a steady traffic of bees and other beneficial insects. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the daisy family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Shortscape Fleabane earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Shortscape fleabane is a fine, quiet plant of high meadow and rock garden. It has been written up in botanical and herbal papers for pale rays and long record of use, and it is a fine, quiet plant of open, sunny to partly shaded, well-drained garden. Shortscape fleabane is one of quiet highland herbs of the East, and pale rays open through the summer. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Fleabanes are cheery daisies with folk records as diuretic and astringent teas; in the garden they are long-blooming pollinator staples.
Growing from Seed
Shortscape Fleabane grows readily from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Shortscape Fleabane has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. From then on, routine care is all that is required.
Related Reading
If Shortscape Fleabane appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: