Horseweed

Horseweed Care

Erigeron canadensis

What is the plant

Erigeron canadensis, commonly known as Horseweed or Canadian Fleabane, is a hardy annual plant native to North America and Central America. This versatile plant has also made itself at home in Eurasia and Australia. Notably, it gained notoriety as the first weed to develop glyphosate resistance, a trait identified in 2001 in Delaware.

Horseweed is characterized by its annual herbaceous nature, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet). Its stems bear sparse hairs, while its slender, untoothed leaves measure 2–10 centimeters (0.8–3.9 inches) in length and up to 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) in width. The leaves grow alternately along the stem, with lower leaves typically withering early. When in bloom, the plant produces dense inflorescences with small flower heads, each featuring white or pale purple ray florets and yellow disc florets. Its fruit takes the form of a cypsela topped with a covering of dirty white down.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

10°C - 27°C

Hardiness zone

3 - 10

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Keep your plant hydrated, but don't drown it. A gentle drink once a week should suffice.
Pruning
Give your Erigeron canadensis some grooming love. Occasional pruning can work wonders, promoting bushier growth and coaxing out more lovely blooms. After the initial burst of flowers in late spring or early summer, snip away the spent flowers and stems. This will encourage a splendid encore of blooms later in the season.
Fertilizer
Thanks to its adaptability, Horseweed doesn't demand any extra feeding.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Erigeron canadensis demonstrates adaptability to various sunlight conditions, making it suitable for diverse regions.
Soil
Horseweed is the definition of adaptability, thriving in various soil types. However, it truly thrives in rich, loamy soil. To create this ideal mix, combine equal parts sand, clay, and organic material. Alternatively, enhance regular soil with a touch of perlite to achieve that perfect loamy blend.
Propagation
Horseweed can be propagated from seeds, and the best time to sow these seeds is typically in the spring.

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Temperature
Horseweed prefers a cozy range of 65-80℉ (18-27℃). If the mercury drops below 15℉ (-10℃), it might experience some leaf trouble. During scorching hot spells, shield your Horseweed from excessive heat, especially when the thermometer climbs to 95-105℉ (35-40℃).
Container
When it comes to planting Horseweed, think big! This plant has grand ambitions, so ensure your container provides ample space for its substantial growth.
Fun fact
Horseweed, despite its name, has a history of medicinal use among Native Americans. The Zuni people, for example, employed crushed flowers of E. canadensis to induce sneezing, providing relief from rhinitis. Additionally, various Native American communities have used preparations of the plant's leaves to treat sore throats and dysentery.