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Close-up of the showy purple flower of showy fleabane (Erigeron speciosus). One of 150+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Butterfly visits purple flowering showy fleabane (Erigeron speciosus). One of 150+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A stunning, small population of showy fleabane (Erigeron speciosus), blanketed in purple blooms, in the habitat garden. One of 150+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A thick drift of showy fleabane's purple blooms (Erigeron speciosus) cascade over log edging in the habitat garden. One of 150+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Growth habit of showy purple flower of showy fleabane (Erigeron speciosus). One of 150+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Showy Fleabane

Erigeron speciosus

Showy fleabane (aka showy, aspen or splendid fleabane/daisy) is indeed, quite splendid. Its flowers are abundant, deep purple, with an impressively long bloom time; adding a full season of dramatic flare and attracting butterflies and pollinators to your meadowscape or perennial beds. By autumn, the leaves become sparse and turn red and purple, and flowers mature into fluffy white seed heads. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: up to 36" tall, 12"-36" wide
  • Light requirements: full sun to full shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to dry soil, well-drained soil
  • Bloom Time: June - September
  • Growth rate/ease: moderate growth rate, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar to adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and other pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host and larval food source for native moths and butterflies
  • Native habitat/range: found in conifer forests, moist slopes, riverbanks, wet meadows typically at higher altitudes, from 50 to 2500m. In Oregon, it is most commonly found in the Willamette Valley, Central Oregon and the Blue/Wallowa Mountains, but it’s also found north in parts of Washington, British Columbia and Alberta, east to Idaho, Nevada and Nebraska and southeast to New Mexico. Portland Plant List - no.  
  • Special features & uses: landscape uses include pollinator gardens and wildflower meadows

Gardening with Showy Daisy: This plant is a treat to garden with, as it's both versatile and beautiful. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and part to full sun and will perform best in this condition - putting on a magnificent show of blooms all summer long, especially if you take a little time to cut back early blooms before they go to seed. That said, it will also tolerate summer dryness and shade - so experiment with where this plant fits best in your garden.

Photo Credit 1: "06292013 139a Splendid Fleabane - Erigeron speciosus" by Laurel Parshall is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Photo Credit 2: "Butterfly on Erigeron speciosus Cedar Breaks" by brewbooks is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credits 3 & 4: Karli Del Biondo, Beetles and Bees

Photo Credit 5: "Erigeron speciosus - aspen fleabane" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0