Erigeron glaucus
Beach Aster
a perennial evergreen member of the Erigeron genus in the family Compositae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Erigeron
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Spread
- 0.15 m
- Fertility
- Self fertile, Lepidoptera, Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Lepidoptera, Bees
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way[6].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- South-western N. America. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
- Habitat
- Sea bluffs and sandy beaches under the influence of water[10].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 3+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed usually germinates within four weeks[2]. Division in spring or autumn[2]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 5 - 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of semi-ripe shoots in summer.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[1][2]. Best in a sandy dry soil[4]. Succeeds in fairly heavy soils[6]. Succeeds in very exposed positions[3] and grows best in mild maritime areas[6]. Intolerant of winter damp[5]. Plants are hardy to about -10°c[4]. A good butterfly and moth plant[9]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[6]. The bruised leaves have a balsamic perfume[7]. Does well in the border or rock garden[1]. Very few members of this genus will hybridise with other members of the genus[8].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00
Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1
Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8
Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Botanical Research Institute, Texas. 1999-00-00 http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm
Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x
Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00