Kingdom Plantae Family Asteraceae Genus Erigeron Higher classification Fleabane | Order Asterales Tribe Astereae Scientific name Erigeron parishii Rank Species | |
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Similar Fleabane, Erigeron blochmaniae, Erigeron basalticus | ||
Erigeron parishii is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family known by the common name Parish's fleabane.
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Distribution
Erigeron parishii is native to San Bernardino County and Riverside County in southern California. It is a federally-listed threatened species losing habitat to development and the limestone mining industry on the north slope of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Description
Erigeron parishii is a small perennial herb reaching a maximum height of about 30 centimeters(12 inches). The taproot can penetrate the carbonate soils to a depth of 50 cm (20 inches). Its stem and foliage are covered in silvery-white hairs and most of the leaves are basal and measure 3 to 6 centimeters long (2.4-2.4 inches).
The erect stems have inflorescences of one to ten flower heads, each between one and two centimeters (0.4-0.8 inches) wide. The flower head has a center of golden yellow disc florets and a fringe of up to 55 lavender, pink, or white ray florets.
Ecology
Erigeron parishii usually grows on limestone substrates, or granite topped with a layer of limestone. It apparently requires very alkaline soils.
Conservation
The same rock that the plant favors is also sought after for human use and limestone mining is the most significant threat to its habitat.
Erigeron parishii has a relatively high genetic diversity for a narrow endemic, a measure that will decrease with the habitat fragmentation that currently threatens it.