Erigeron aphanactis var. congestus – “Rayless Fleabane”

Also Known As: Rayless Shaggy Fleabane, Rayless Daisy, Clustered Fleabane
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom period: May-Sep
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Exclusively in the Pebble Plains
Leaves: Linear; basal
Translation: “Erigeron” is Greek and translates figuratively as “old man in the spring,” referring to this genus’s quick cycle of aging in which it flowers, seeds and dies back early in the season; “aphanactis” is Greek for “tiny ray [petal],” which refers to the very small outer petals; “congestus” is Latin for “very crowded,” and describes the way the plant grows.
Notes: This tiny plant is the perfect size for a dollhouse’s garden. Each flower is only about 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide.