Decumbent Fleabane (Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens)

Photo: Jennifer Thompson, USFWSPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons

Decumbent Fleabane Plant Care

Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens Nutt.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Erigeron decumbens is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name Willamette fleabane. It is native to Oregon and California in the United States.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Decumbent Fleabane?

Plant Decumbent Fleabane in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Decumbent Fleabane Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Decumbent Fleabane?

Decumbent Fleabane (Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Erigeron genus. Decumbent Fleabane is native to Oregon and California in the United States. Decumbent Fleabane is also known as Spreading Fleabane, Erigeron decumbens.

Decumbent Fleabane displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Decumbent Fleabane produces daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Decumbent Fleabane?

Water a young or newly planted Decumbent Fleabane every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Decumbent Fleabane Need?

Decumbent Fleabane thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Decumbent Fleabane Prefer?

Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Decumbent Fleabane prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Decumbent Fleabane?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Decumbent Fleabane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Decumbent Fleabane?

Feed Decumbent Fleabane every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Decumbent Fleabane?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Decumbent Fleabane is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Decumbent Fleabane?

Decumbent Fleabane can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Decumbent Fleabane?

Prune Decumbent Fleabane while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Decumbent Fleabane in Winter?

Decumbent Fleabane is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Decumbent Fleabane?

Decumbent Fleabane can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canadian fleabane plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Decumbent Fleabane Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Decumbent Fleabane, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Decumbent Fleabane?

Decumbent Fleabane is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Decumbent Fleabane Need?

Decumbent Fleabane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Decumbent Fleabane is native to Oregon and California in the United States. In cooler regions, grow Decumbent Fleabane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Decumbent Fleabane is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Erigeron genus — compare its care with other Erigeron species on PlantoScan.

Erigeron is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Decumbent Fleabane thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Erigeron Species

Other Erigeron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens Nutt., family Asteraceae — World Flora Online record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Decumbent Fleabane, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Jennifer Thompson, USFWS, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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