Pulicaria dysenterica - Common Fleabane - (Asteraceae)

This plant is common throughout the UK and Ireland except for the far north.

From the scientific name of this plant you may guess (quite correctly) that it was used in the past as a treatment for dysentery. Its common name suggests another use of fleabane: to repel fleas.

Common fleabane

Common fleabane is a member of the very large family of daisies that grow throughout Europe. It is often found on the banks of streams, as it has a preference for marshy or at least permanently damp soil. It also occurs in gardens, and once established, is extremely hard to get rid of.

The flowers are not long-lasting; they appear in August and are usually past their best by mid September.

The plants on this page were photographed in West Wales.