Running Fleabane: A Lesser-Known Native Wildflower Worth Discovering
If you’re on the hunt for native plants that can add subtle charm to your garden while supporting local ecosystems, running fleabane (Erigeron colomexicanus) might just be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. This unassuming little wildflower belongs to the vast fleabane family, and while it may not be the showiest plant in your garden, it brings its own quiet appeal to naturalistic landscapes.
What is Running Fleabane?
Running fleabane is a native biennial forb that calls much of the American Southwest and Great Plains home. As a biennial, this plant has a two-year life cycle – it spends its first year establishing roots and foliage, then blooms and sets seed in its second year before completing its cycle. Don’t let the name fleabane put you off – it’s an old-fashioned term that refers to the plant’s historical use in repelling fleas, not because it’s particularly flea-ridden!
Botanically speaking, this plant is also known by the synonym Erigeron divergens var. cinereus, which gives you a hint about its relationship to other fleabanes you might be more familiar with.
Where Does Running Fleabane Grow?
This hardy native has quite an impressive range across the western and central United States. You’ll find running fleabane growing naturally in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah. This wide distribution suggests it’s a pretty adaptable plant that can handle various climate conditions across these diverse regions.
Why Consider Running Fleabane for Your Garden?
While running fleabane might not win any most glamorous garden plant contests, it has several qualities that make it worth considering:
- Native credentials: As a true native, it’s perfectly adapted to local conditions and supports regional ecosystems
- Low maintenance potential: Native plants typically require less water and care once established
- Naturalistic appeal: Perfect for wildflower meadows, prairie gardens, and natural landscaping
- Pollinator potential: Like most members of the aster family, fleabanes typically attract beneficial insects
Best Garden Situations for Running Fleabane
Running fleabane is best suited for:
- Native plant gardens and wildflower meadows
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Prairie restoration projects
- Natural areas where you want to encourage native biodiversity
This isn’t really a plant for formal flower borders or high-maintenance garden beds. Instead, think of it as a supporting player in more relaxed, naturalistic settings.
Growing Running Fleabane: The Honest Truth
Here’s where we need to be upfront: specific growing information for Erigeron colomexicanus is surprisingly scarce. This might be because it’s not commonly cultivated, or because it’s often lumped together with other similar fleabane species in horticultural references.
Based on its native range and family characteristics, running fleabane likely prefers:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soils
- Moderate to low water once established
- USDA hardiness zones that correspond to its native range (approximately zones 4-9)
The Reality Check
If you’re set on growing running fleabane, you might face some challenges finding seeds or plants from commercial sources. This species isn’t widely available in the nursery trade, which could make it tricky to source responsibly. Your best bet might be contacting native plant societies in the regions where it grows naturally, or specialized native seed companies.
Alternatively, you might consider some of the more readily available fleabane relatives like spreading fleabane (Erigeron divergens) or Philadelphia fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus), which offer similar ecological benefits and are easier to find.
Final Thoughts
Running fleabane represents one of those quiet native plants that may not grab headlines but plays an important role in natural ecosystems. While it might not be the easiest plant to incorporate into your garden due to limited availability and growing information, it’s worth knowing about as part of our rich native flora. If you’re passionate about growing truly local natives and don’t mind a bit of detective work to track down seeds, running fleabane could be an interesting addition to your wildflower collection.
Just remember: when it comes to native gardening, sometimes the most common and available natives can provide just as much ecological benefit as the rare and hard-to-find ones. The best native plant for your garden is often the one you can actually grow successfully!
