Fauna
Plant

Flax-leaved Horseweed

Erigeron bonariensis

Also known as Hairy Fleabane, Hairy Horseweed, Argentine Fleabane, Wavy-leaf Fleabane

Flax-leaved horseweed colonizes disturbed soils, agricultural fields, and urban pavements across warm temperate and tropical regions around the globe. A dense coat of greyish hairs and narrow, wavy-edged leaves give the plant a dusty appearance and help it conserve moisture in dry environments. Each individual produces tens of thousands of lightweight seeds equipped with feathery tufts that carry them far on light breezes.

WeedyFloweringPioneer Species
Flax-leaved Horseweed reference1 / 7
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Herbivorous Insects
  • Grazing Livestock
  • Finches
ThreatsHerbicide resistance in agricultural contexts
HabitatsDisturbed ground, roadsides, agricultural fields, waste places
Life spanAnnual or biennial
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusErigeron
  4. SpeciesErigeron bonariensis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look for erect, grey-green leafy stems bearing small, dull off-white flower heads in late summer.
  • Distinguishing: Check the leaves for dense, soft hairy coverage and slightly wavy edges.
Related species
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