Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 3 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Philadelphia Fleabane and Robin's Plantain

Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) vs. Robin's Plantain (Erigeron pulchellus)

Updated May 16th, 2023

These two species can be confused, as both have abundant basal leaves and clasping leaves along the stem, both can be found in lightly-shaded habitats, and they have overlapping bloom times. They are easily distinguished by flowers, and they also have little overlap in habitat, although differences in habitat may require close observation. E. philadelphicus has a broader range, is more common and widespread, and is found in a wider range of habitats, preferring moister, more disturbed habitats with richer soils, tolerating poor drainage, and ranging into full sun. E. pulchellus is more restricted to drier, less-disturbed, lightly-shaded habitats, in soil of low fertility.

View Full Guide

collage of Philadelphia Fleabane and Oakleaf Fleabane

Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus) vs. Oakleaf Fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius)

Updated May 11th, 2023

These two species can be confused in their relatively narrow range of overlap. Both are found on moist sites, both tend to have a dense rosette of basal leaves of roughly similar size, and both have narrower, more numerous rays than other fleabanes. Because many of the characteristics used to distinguish these species have significant variation from plant to plant, and overlap between the two species, it is important to look at multiple features before making an ID. E. philadelphicus ranges much farther north and west, and prefers richer, finer-textured soils, whereas E. quercifolius is restricted to the southeastern coastal plain, ranges farther southeast, through all of peninsular Florida, and prefers sandy soils.

View Full Guide

collage of Annual Fleabane and Philadelphia Fleabane

Annual Fleabane (Erigeron annuus) vs. Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus)

Updated May 5th, 2023

These visually-similar species often occur together in the same habitat. Flowers can be distinguished by width and count of rays; leaf bases clasp the stem on E. philadelphicus but not on E. annuus. There are other major differences in leaves and growth habit, but the variability of both species makes these characteristics trickier to rely on for identification. On average, E. philadelphicus blooms earlier, but both species have variable bloom times. E. annuus ventures into slightly drier and slightly more disturbed sites, and usually cannot survive in mowed lawns, whereas E. philadelphicus is more restricted to moist sites and is more likely to persist in lawns.

View Full Guide