Darrell’s Fleabane (Erigeron darrellianus)
Darrell’s Fleabane is a perennial shrub which can grow to 4 feet (1.2 m) high. Darrell’s Fleabane is in the Daisy Family, therefore the flowers resemble small white daisies with yellow centres. The flowers are about ½ inch (1.3 cm) across and appear in groups in the spring. The flowers are followed by fluffy clumps of small seeds which are spread by the wind.
Darrell’s Fleabane grows in sandy soil in coastal areas of Bermuda, as well as rocky areas like road cuts and stone walls. It grows well when it is protected by other plants. Darrell’s Fleabane also does well when planted in rock gardens and coastal flowerbeds.
Darrell's Fleabane in a coastal rock garden. (Photo by Alison Copeland)
When it is flowering Darrell’s Fleabane is easy to spot along the South Shore. It can be seen adjacent to the parking lot at Astwood Park, and along the coast between Warwick Long Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Darrell’s Fleabane can also be seen at Spittal Pond Nature Reserve.
Darrell’s Fleabane can be confused with the 2 other fleabane species that occur in Bermuda and several weeds with ‘daisy like’ flowers; however, Darrell’s Fleabane is the only one that is endemic to Bermuda.
In December 2016 Darrell's Fleabane was added to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with Near Threatened status, due to historic declines in its abundance and the ongoing threats to its habitat from development and invasive species.
Learn More:
Protected Species Information Sheet for Darrell's Fleabane [PDF]
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