Erigeron divergens
Erigeron divergens
Synonyms: Erigeron divergens var. typicus, Erigeron solisaltator, Erigeron divaricatus
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Erigeron divergens, the spreading fleabane, is a short-lived perennial or biennial herb of the Asteraceae family, native to western and central North America from the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains south into northern Mexico. Plants form a basal rosette of grey-green, narrowly spatulate to oblanceolate leaves and produce one or more erect to ascending, branching flowering stems 15 to 60 cm tall, all covered in short, spreading and somewhat stiff hairs that give the foliage a distinctly hoary appearance. Stem leaves are smaller, narrow and entire. The branching upper stems carry many small daisy-like flower heads, each with numerous slender white, pink or pale lavender ray florets surrounding a button of yellow disc florets. Flowering is prolonged from late spring into autumn. The achenes bear two rows of slender bristles. The species is common on dry plains, sagebrush flats, open woodland, road verges and disturbed ground from low to mid elevations.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
Among the Navajo, an infusion of the whole plant was taken by women as an aid for childbirth deliverance, and the root was used as a 'life medicine,' a general restorative remedy (Elmore, 1944; Vestal, 1952). The Kayenta Navajo prepared the plant as a snuff for headaches, and the Ramah Navajo used a cold infusion as a lotion for 'lightning infection,' a compound preparation for snake bites, a cold compound infusion as an eyewash, and the plant ceremonially in several ways (Wyman and Harris, 1951; Vestal, 1952). The Kiowa regarded the plant as an omen of good fortune and brought it into the home (Vestal and Schultes, 1939).
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.