100 More Species #21: Rough daisy fleabane

Rough fleabane Erigeron strigosus

I should caution anyone reading this blog that my plant identifications, how you say, lack rigor. I used a combination of the Peterson's wildflower guide (my mom's 1968 edition) and the Go Botany website to eliminate the more commonly seen annual fleabane E. annuus.

Fleabanes generally bloom earlier than the similarly daisy-like asters. The wonderful name comes from the optimistic notion that the flower can be used to repel fleas. This species is known as prairie fleabane in the western states, and has been introduced into Europe, where it can be invasive.

Alexis and the foster pup

Here's Alexis and the foster pup whose name is Basil but we never call him that eleven days ago looking much much smaller than he does today.

Mite micrograph

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