What is the growth habit of Erigeron bonariensis?
Erigeron bonariensis is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year, typically germinating, growing, flowering, and setting seed within that period.
Flax-Leaved Horseweed (Erigeron bonariensis)
Flax-leaved Horseweed (Erigeron bonariensis) is an annual weed with slender stems and narrow leaves, often found in disturbed areas. It produces small daisy-like flowers.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full Sun
Watering
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained
Temperature
Average
Fertilizer
Low
Care Requirements
Light
Full Sun
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water
Moderate
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Soil
Well-drained
Temperature
Average
Thrives in average room temperatures (18-24°C). Protect from frost.
Fertilizer
Low
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced liquid feed.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Place Type
Garden
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Height
0.3-1.5 m
Spread
0.1-0.5 m
Growth Rate
Fast
Dormancy
None
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Linear
Flower Size
3-5 mm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
120000
Weed Status
Yes
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · FebPeak fruit · Feb
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist
Conyza chenopodioides DC.
Conyza crispa Rupr.
Conyza hispida Kunth
Conyza leucodasys Miq.
Conyza linearis DC.
Conyza plebeia Phil.
Conyza sinuata Elliott
Conyza sordescens Cabrera
Conyzella linifolia (Willd.) Greene
Dimorphanthes angustifolia Cass.
Dimorphanthes crispa Rupr.
Dimorphanthes hispida Cass.
Dimorphanthes linifolia (Willd.) Rupr.
Erigeron crispus Pourr.
Erigeron gusalakensis Rech.f. & Edelb.
Erigeron linearifolius Cav.
Erigeron linifolius Willd.
Erigeron looseri Herter
Erigeron sordidus Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.
Erigeron transsilvanicus Schur
Leptilon bonariense (L.) Small
Leptilon linifolium (Willd.) Small
Marsea bonariensis (L.) V.M.Badillo
Pulicaria rufescens Nyman
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderAsterales
- familyAsteraceae
- genusErigeron
- speciesErigeron bonariensis
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
Generally considered non-toxic, though some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from contact with the sap.
Additional Care Tips
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter, providing just enough to prevent the soil from becoming bone dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Pruning is generally not required for aesthetic reasons, as the plant has an upright, somewhat airy habit. However, you can remove spent flower stalks to prevent unwanted self-seeding. Pinching back young plants can encourage a bushier habit if desired.
Propagation is primarily through self-seeding, as it produces abundant small seeds. You can also propagate by collecting seeds in late summer or fall and sowing them in pots or directly into the garden in spring. Division of established plants is possible but less common.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Flax-leaved Horseweed. It is often grown as an annual or treated as a weed. If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot in spring to a slightly larger pot with well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
FAQs
How tall does Flax-leaved Horseweed grow?
Flax-leaved Horseweed typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters (approximately 1 to 3.3 feet).
What kind of flowers does Erigeron bonariensis produce?
It produces numerous small, daisy-like flower heads, usually white with yellow centers, borne in a branching inflorescence.
Where is Erigeron bonariensis commonly found?
Erigeron bonariensis is frequently found in disturbed habitats, such as roadsides, waste areas, agricultural fields, and gardens, indicating its preference for open, unshaded ground.
Is Erigeron bonariensis considered a problematic weed?
Yes, Erigeron bonariensis is often considered an invasive weed in many regions due to its prolific seed production and ability to colonize disturbed soils rapidly.