Unknown Erigeron

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Plant Identification

There's a phrase to strike fear in the hearts of an amateur botanist...almost as bad as "Unknown Arnica".
I obtained seeds of Erigeron aureus from this spring's NARGS seed exchange, was was delighted to get good germination. But the plants, which have not bloomed, have rosettes of very large, very hairy leaves, quite unlike the E. aureus that we find in the Rockies. I wonder what I've got!
Will attach photos of E. aureus from a hike this summer to Parker Ridge in Banff Nat. Park, and then the unknown plant.

Linda in Calgary, Alberta

Comments

Linda L. Vaxvick's picture

Linda L. Vaxvick

Sun, 09/09/2012 - 9:09am

Thanks to both of you.  I think Rick is right.  But the Hieracium villosa may be a zone 4 plant, so we'll see if it survives the winter. 

Lori S.'s picture

Lori S. (not verified)

Sun, 09/09/2012 - 10:15am

Linda, I'm pretty sure any Hieracium would be hardy on the moon or Mars...  ;D  Many are classified as noxious weeds in many areas... more to the point though, I've grown Hieracium villosum for a great many years here and it is completely hardy. 
Wish I could send you some seeds for the real thing... unfortunately, I didn't collect any this year, but I'll check my seed stores.