Erigeron sumatrensis resembles the more common (also non-native) erigeron canadensis; it is most easily distinguished by its leaves, which are lined by many short, fine hairs rather than a few, well-separated bristly hairs. Also, the phyllaries are hairy rather than glabrous.
Common names:
Guernsey fleabane, Sumatran fleabane, tropical horseweed
Family:
Scientific name:
Erigeron sumatrensis
Synonym:
Conyza sumatrensis
Main flower color:
Range:
Mainly in south/central England; a few locations in Wales and the north. An invasive species, from South America
Height:
Up to 200 cm
Habitat:
Waste ground, verges, pathways
Flowers:
Discoid flowerheads in clusters, flat-topped or somewhat elongated (panicular). The involucre is urn-shaped, wider towards the base, while phyllaries are in several series, hairless to (usually) strigose, light green in color. Flowerheads contain up to 90 florets, white to pale yellow
Leaves:
Linear to narrowly lanceolate, evenly covered with short, fine, soft hairs. Up to 10 cm long and 2 cm wide. Usually entire but can be faintly toothed
Season:
July to October
Rarity:
★★★★★
