prairie wildflower
Plains fleabane
Erigeron modestus
Also known as Prairie Fleabane
Native to Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas
Oklahoma and Texas to Arizona, south to adjacent Mexico
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Dry Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Mar–Nov Flowering time
- Height up to 16 in to 41 cm
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A prairie wildflower for full sun and lean, dry soil. Its white and yellow flowers peak in April. At up to 16 in, it tucks into meadows and sunny borders.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Plains fleabane's white and yellow flowers bloom March to November, peaking in April. This spring display draws butterflies.
Plains fleabane blooms white & yellowFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Butterflies Mitoura gryneus
Butterflies that use this plant
Documented host and nectar records. Each links to a planting guide for that butterfly.
- Juniper hairstreaknectar
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- PrairieThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and TexasUnited States (4): AZ, NM, OK, TX. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Oklahoma and Texas to Arizona, south to adjacent MexicoThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Dry, calcareous soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
Growth & form
- Height
- up to 16 in (to 41 cm)Typical mature height.
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- WildflowerWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Mar–NovWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- White, YellowThe bloom color, or colors.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.