Plant Identifier
Canadian Horseweed

Canadian Horseweed

Erigeron canadensis

Family: AsteraceaeNative: North America and Central AmericaIdentified: Aug 31, 2026

An upright, herbaceous annual plant characterized by narrow, linear leaves and branched stems bearing numerous very small, white or pale pinkish flower heads with yellow centers.

Light
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water
Low watering needs. Highly drought-tolerant once established; water moderately only during prolonged dry spells.
Growth
Upright herbaceous annual growing from 1 to 6 feet tall with a slender, single stem that branches toward the top. Moderate to fast growth rate.
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Care instructions

Thrives in full sun and well-draining soils. Highly resilient and adaptable, requiring minimal watering once established.

Growing details

Sunlight

Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Watering

Low watering needs. Highly drought-tolerant once established; water moderately only during prolonged dry spells.

Soil

Adaptable to various soil types including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, provided they are well-draining. Prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Hardiness zone

USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 9

Growth habit

Upright herbaceous annual growing from 1 to 6 feet tall with a slender, single stem that branches toward the top. Moderate to fast growth rate.

Bloom season

Blooms from mid-summer to autumn, producing dense panicles of tiny, daisy-like flower heads with white ray florets and yellow disk florets.

Propagation

Propagates primarily by seeds, which are dispersed easily by wind.

Common pests & issues

Generally resistant to severe pests and diseases, though can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew or rust in overly damp conditions.

Similar species

Can be confused with other fleabanes (Erigeron species) or asters, but distinguished by its very narrow leaves and tall, densely branched inflorescences of extremely small flower heads.