Mexican fleabane Erigeron karvinskianus
Mexican fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asteraceae family, native to Mexico, Central America and northern South America. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Mexican fleabane in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Mexican fleabane at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico, Central America and northern South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | New Zealand, Portugal, New Caledonia: check local rules before planting |
Is Mexican fleabane toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity data found in ASPCA or standard poison references; daisy-family plants can irritate sensitive skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Mexican fleabane
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mexican fleabane
- How far apart should I plant Mexican fleabane?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Mexican fleabane need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican fleabane need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican fleabane?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Mexican fleabane flower?
- From about May for 17–29 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mexican fleabane poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No toxicity data found in ASPCA or standard poison references; daisy-family plants can irritate sensitive skin.
- What grows well with Mexican fleabane?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mexican fleabane. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Seeds into walls and paving; semi-evergreen and short-lived but self-perpetuating. Reported as a weed in several warm-temperate regions.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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