1. * Seaside Daisy – Erigeron glaucus
(er-IJ (or EEJ)-er-on GLAW-kus)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Coastal CA from Cambria north to central OR; on coastal bluffs, dunes, beaches in
northern Coastal Strand, Coastal Sage Scrub, Northern Coastal Scrub communities.
Native to:
Growth characteristics: clumping herbaceous perennial mature height:<1 ft. mature width:1-2 ft.
Low-growing plant with leaves in basal rosettes. Lush green, fleshy foliage. Spreads via rhizomes
to form colonies, so make a good groundcover. Foliage tidy-looking, aromatic when crushed.
Summer blooming (May to Jul/Aug.). Flowers are neat-looking little daisies with
purple ray flowers and large yellow centers (disk flowers). Very showy – looks like to other species.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Often used as a groundcover (smaller areas) or to border walkways in coastal
gardens. Good in part-shade areas under trees. Fine in mixed borders, large pots. Cultivars:
‘Bountiful' – large flowers; ‘Cape Sebastian’ – low, hardy; 'Sea Breeze' – pink-lavender flowers;
'Wayne Roderick' – very low, deep purple flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native low-growing Asters.
Attracts: Excellent butterfly & pollinator habitat plant. Birds eat the seeds in summer/fall.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade best; full sun only in cooler coastal gardens.
Any well-drained soil, but does great in sandy soils; any local pH
Best with occasional water (Zone 2 or 2-3); wash off dusty foliage. Tolerates
seasonal flooding.
None required. Organic mulches OK.
Quite a tough plant. Cut back to the ground in fall every 2-3 years.
can be removed for a tidier look (or allowed to remain on plants as bird food).
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy; use abundant seed
by divisions: fall or spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 5-9, 13, 14, 20, 24
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
Spent blooms
2/14/11
© Project SOUND