Along Oslo Road – along with lyreleaf sage (Salvia lyrata) and narrowleaf blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) – oakleaf fleabane (Erigeron quercifolius) is now full of flowers. The dime-sized flowers are held atop tall stalks (to +12′) and, like nearly all flowers in the the daisy family, Asteraceae, are attractive to pollinators. The flowers of lyreleaf sage and narrowleaf blue-eyed grass also attract pollinators.
Flowering occurs throughout the year but peaks in the spring. The genus name, Erigeron, is derived from two Greek words, eri (early) and geron (old man) and refers to the propensity for this plant to flower in the early spring and to the grayish appearance of its seedheads.
Oakleaf fleabane produces lots of seeds and can be a bit weedy in disturbed locations. Its leaves are characterized as oak leaf shaped, and the species name, quercifolius, refers to this characteristic, as Quercus is the genus of oaks. The flowers are held high above the basal rosettes of 6 rough to the touch leaves.
Enjoy seeing this lovely wildflower along roadsides throughout Indian River County.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 