Pulicaria dysenterica

Pulicaria dysenterica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Tribe:	Inuleae
Genus:	Pulicaria
Species:	P. dysenterica
Binomial name
Pulicaria dysenterica (L.) Bernh.

Pulicaria dysenterica, the common fleabane,^[1] or, in North America, meadow false fleabane,^[2] is a species of fleabane in the daisy family. It is native to Europe and western Asia where it grows in a variety of habitats ranging from semi-arid Mediterranean woodlands to wetter situations.^[3] Pulicaria dysenterica is perennial and can form dense clusters of plants, spreading by its roots. It flowers at its maximum height of about 60 centimetres (2.0 ft).^[4] Leaves are alternately arranged and clasp the stem, which itself contains a salty-astringent liquid. The yellow inflorescences are typically composed of a prominent centre of 40–100 disc florets surrounded by 20–30 narrow, pistillate ray florets. When setting seed the flower heads reflex.^[5]

Fleabane's common name comes from its former use as an incense to drive away insects.^[5] Other past uses include treatments for dysentery and unspecified ocular maladies.^[6]

External links

• Pulicaria dysenterica at Plants for a Future
• Common fleabane at Naturespot
• Pulicaria dysenterica at Emorgate seeds

References

1. ↑ "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17. 
2. ↑ "Pulicaria dysenterica". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 16 October 2015. 
3. ↑ http://chestofbooks.com/flora-plants/flowers/British-Wild-Flowers-1/Fleabane-Pulicaria-Dysenterica-Gray.html
4. ↑ http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Pulicaria+dysenterica
5. 1 2 http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=127631
6. ↑ http://chestofbooks.com/flora-plants/flowers/British-Wild-Flowers-1/Fleabane-Pulicaria-Dysenterica-Gray.html