Common Fleabane is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in damp meadows, marshes, and along riverbanks. It features bright yellow, daisy-like flowers and can grow up to 1 meter tall. In agroecology, Common Fleabane plays a crucial role as a pollinator attractor and biodiversity supporter. Its dense growth helps suppress weeds, making it valuable in regenerative agriculture systems. Historically, it has been used as an insect repellent. In a food forest, it serves as a ground cover layer, providing habitat and food for insects and birds. It pairs well with other moisture-loving plants like Meadowsweet and Marsh Marigold, enhancing the ecological balance.
Growing Details
Common Fleabane thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a preference for full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve moisture retention. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include Meadowsweet and Marsh Marigold. Avoid planting in overly dry areas. Harvest flowers in late summer for optimal medicinal use. Store dried flowers in an airtight container away from light.
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Pulicaria dysenterica</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and parts of Asia
applicable geo region: Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of July for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of April
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The leaves and flowers can be used to make herbal teas, although they are not widely consumed due to their bitter taste. The flowers are best harvested in late summer when they are in full bloom.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Common Fleabane has been used for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It has been employed in folk medicine to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions. The leaves and flowers can be dried and used in infusions or poultices.
health concerns: Consumption in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It is advisable to use it in moderation.
other uses: The plant has been used historically as an insect repellent, particularly in dried form to deter fleas and other pests.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Pulicaria dysenterica
common names: Common Fleabane; Fleabane; Meadow Fleabane
family: Asteraceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Pulicaria
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: High
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Medium
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Medium
max height: 1.0 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Common Fleabane thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a preference for full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve moisture retention. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include Meadowsweet and Marsh Marigold. Avoid planting in overly dry areas. Harvest flowers in late summer for optimal medicinal use. Store dried flowers in an airtight container away from light.
Potential Disturbances: Common Fleabane is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by aphids and slugs. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids. Use organic slug repellents such as crushed eggshells or copper tape. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help deter pests.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
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