XErigeron vetensis - Early Bluetop FleabaneX
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Early Bluetop Fleabane (Erigeron vetensis), family Asteraceae (Aster/Sunflower)
The pale blue of this little gem is so subtle that it almost looks like it should be in the white group. Placing it with the blues is not a mistake, although white to purple specimens have been found. The species is native to the western United States, mostly in the Rocky Mountains. Per WIKIPEDIA - the name fleabane is thought to be based on a belief that the dried plants repelled fleas or that these plants poisoned fleas. There are many species in the genus Erigeron. They can be annuals, perennials, or biennials.
Vetensis produces one flower per an erect stem. Stems are less hairy than the foliage of the plant. See the sidebar images for botanical details on the characteristics that identify this specimen as vetensis.
USES: Per the excellent website Native American Ethnobotany there are no specific uses of vetensis by native american tribes. Other members of the genus have been used mostly for a broad range of medicinal purposes. There are a few instances of more superstitious applications: protection in warfare or hunting, ward against witchcraft, and believed by the Kiowa to be an omen of good fortune, with the plants brought into the home for that benefit.
Flower -
Plant location: Shelf Road - Colorado - June 21, 2015
The specific location of this species was between Cripple Creek and Canon City Colorado - part of the marvelous Gold Belt Tour. This species is found in only 4 states in the U.S. - Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and sparsley in Nebraska. Habitats per Flora of North America are dry areas, rocky slopes, roadsides, usually open exposures, ponderosa pine with juniper and/or oak, lodgepole pine, and spruce-fir.Plant -
Bloom season: May through July (sometimes August depending on location and conditions).
Foliage -
Shelf Road - Colorado - June 21, 2015
Our specimen was not very tall, shown using a pen for scale. Weber describes the species as a common dwarf. Other sources state that it can grow from 10" to 20" in height. -
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Shelf Road - Colorado - June 21, 2015
Per Flora of North America foliage: margins entire (edges not toothed, notched, or divided - continuous) faces glabrous or sparsely hispidulous (firm stiff hairs). -
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Shelf Road - Colorado - June 21, 2015
Macro of disc. A better photograph needed. -
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Shelf Road - Colorado - June 21, 2015
Again per Flora of North America basal foliage: often retaining old leaf bases. Shown here, the previous years leaf base withered but still present. -
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