Erigeron conditii
Condit's fleabane
(c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Erigeron conditii (Condit's fleabane) is a native California perennial in the Asteraceae family, recognized by specific habitat and purple rays.
Condit's fleabane is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in seasonal drainage banks at elevations of 300 to 400 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces purple ray flowers in heads 10 to 12 millimeters wide, with 30 to 40 delicate rays 6.5 to 9.5 millimeters long. Growing with multiple slender stems 25 to 45 centimeters tall, it emerges from a woody base and is covered in fine, acute-tipped hairs. Its distinctive linear leaves range from 2.5 to 6 centimeters long and gradually become narrower toward the stem's tip, with leaves measuring just 0.7 to 1.7 millimeters wide. The plant's phyllaries feature narrow embedded resin glands that dry to a golden-brown color, adding to its unique botanical character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; specific habitat and purple rays
Habitat and range
Habitat: Banks of seasonal drainage
Elevation: 300-400 m
Bloom period
Erigeron conditii blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Bellis: Erigeron has double-layered pappus (outer scales + inner bristles); Bellis completely lacks pappus.; vs Symphyotrichum: Erigeron has double pappus (2 layers); Symphyotrichum has single layer of uniform bristles.; vs Corethrogyne: Erigeron has simple unbranched stems; Corethrogyne has branched stems.; vs Pseudognaphalium: Erigeron has flat button-like flower heads; Pseudognaphalium has woolly clustered heads without rays.; vs Artemisia: Erigeron has obvious ray petals around yellow disk; Artemisia lacks ray petals entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erigeron conditii native to California?
Yes. Erigeron conditii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erigeron conditii bloom?
Erigeron conditii blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Erigeron conditii belong to?
Erigeron conditii is in the Asteraceae family, genus Erigeron.
Is Erigeron conditii rare or endangered?
Erigeron conditii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Erigeron conditii grow in?
Erigeron conditii grows in Banks of seasonal drainage.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-17
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.