HerbWildAnnualMedicinal

Erigeron canadensis L.

Phulni

Synonym: Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist

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Description

Erigeron canadensis is an erect annual herb, usually 50–200 cm tall, with a single slender stem that becomes branched near the apex. Stems and leaves are sparsely hairy. Leaves are alternate, linear-lanceolate, sessile, and finely toothed. Flower heads are numerous, very small, and arranged in large, narrow, pyramidal panicles. Ray florets are tiny, white, and often inconspicuous, while disc florets are yellow. Fruits are small ribbed achenes bearing a white pappus of numerous fine bristles.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Tall erect herb with narrow alternate leaves.

Floral

Numerous tiny flower heads in a narrow pyramidal inflorescence.

Fruit & Seed

Ribbed achenes with abundant white pappus for wind dispersal.

Distribution

Native range: North America.

Introduced range: Widely naturalized throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

In Pakistan: Common throughout Pakistan in cultivated lands, roadsides, gardens, and waste places.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: March–October Fruiting: April–November

Ethnobotany & Uses

Uses

Traditionally used as an astringent, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory herb. Frequently considered a troublesome agricultural weed because of prolific wind-dispersed seed production.

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Where it grows on campus

This species is on the campus floristic list but was not pinned during the GPS mapping survey, so it has no map records yet.

Taxonomic Notes

Erigeron canadensis was formerly treated as Conyza canadensis, a name still common in older floras. It differs from E. bonariensis by its taller habit, narrower pyramidal inflorescence, sparser pubescence, and more slender stem. The species is recognized as an accepted taxon in Flora of Pakistan, Plants of the World Online (POWO), and World Flora Online (WFO).