Canadian Horseweed Conyza canadensis

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Conyza canadensis, more commonly known as Canadian horseweed or Canadian fleabane, is characterized by its slender and erect stem that is covered with fine hairs, giving it a fuzzy texture. The leaves of Canadian horseweed are alternately arranged along the stem, with lower leaves typically being larger with toothed edges, while the upper leaves are smaller and smoother with less pronounced teeth or even entire margins. The foliage ranges in color from medium to dark green. The plant is topped with clusters of small daisy-like flower heads, which may vary in color from white to pale yellow. Each flower head has a central disc that houses tiny, tubular florets, surrounded by several elongated ray florets that resemble thin petals. The blooming period for Canadian horseweed extends through summer and into the fall, and its bloom is prolific, with numerous flowers forming a delicate and airy crown atop the stem. Canadian horseweed produces tufts of bristly hair that are attached to its seeds. These hairs aid in wind dispersal, allowing the plant to spread efficiently over long distances. When mature, the seeds create a fluffy appearance that can easily catch the breeze. The overall visual impression of Canadian horseweed is of a somewhat bushy, columnar plant, with a leafy body culminating in a crown of petite floral sprays that add a soft, brush-like outline to this widespread and opportunistic weed. Its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and its common presence in disturbed soils makes it a familiar sight in many regions.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae.
- Synonyms
  Canadian Horseweed, Canadian Fleabane, Horseweed, Coltstail, Marestail.
- Common names
  Erigeron canadensis, Conyza albida, Conyza parva, Leptilon canadense, Conyza ambigua, Erigeron bonariensis, Erigeron myriocephalus
Toxicity
- To humans
  Canadian Fleabane (Conyza canadensis) is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause reactions in some people.
- To pets
  Canadian Fleabane is also not typically known to be toxic to pets. There is limited information on its effects if ingested by animals, but it is not commonly listed as a plant that is dangerous to household pets. Pet owners should always monitor their pets for any signs of distress after ingesting any plant material, as individual reactions can vary.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  White
- Height
  1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 meters)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  2-11
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Erosion Control: Conyza canadensis, commonly known as Canadian fleabane, has a deep root system that helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Pollinator Attraction: Canadian fleabane produces small flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant provides cover and food for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
- Edible Parts: Some parts of Canadian fleabane are edible and can be used in salads or as a cooked green, contributing to foraging practices.
- Soil Fertility: It acts as a pioneer plant, colonizing disturbed soils and potentially improving soil fertility for future plant growth.
- Habitat Restoration: Canadian fleabane can be part of habitat restoration projects as it is hardy and can grow in challenging conditions.
- Landscape Aesthetics: The plant can be used in wildflower gardens to provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
Medical Properties
- Astringent: Conyza canadensis may be applied topically to help reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.
- Anti-inflammatory: Preparations of the plant may be used to soothe inflamed tissues.
- Antiseptic: The herb has been used for its antiseptic qualities to clean wounds and prevent infection.
- Diuretic: Traditionally, it may be used to promote the flow of urine and relieve water retention.
- Expectorant: It has been utilized to loosen phlegm in the respiratory tract.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Conyza canadensis, also known as Canadian horseweed, has been used as a stuffing material for mattresses and pillows, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers.
- The plant's fibrous stems have been traditionally used for making rough twine or cordage, useful for garden ties or other non-load-bearing applications.
- Young shoots and leaves of the Canadian horseweed can be eaten as a potherb, providing a bitter but edible green when cooked.
- Canadian horseweed has been employed as a natural dye, giving a yellow to green coloration to wool and other natural fibers.
- The plant's abundant seeds have been used as a flotation material in life vests and padding due to their buoyant properties before the advent of modern materials.
- Dried Canadian horseweed has been used in floral arrangements or as a component of potpourris for its rustic appearance and texture.
- In agricultural fields, Canadian horseweed serves as a cover crop, helping to protect soil from erosion during times when the ground is otherwise bare.
- Canadian horseweed has been utilized in companion planting as it is believed to repel certain insect pests naturally, benefiting neighboring plants.
- The roots of the Canadian horseweed can be applied to help in soil stabilization on slopes and banks, as they help in preventing soil erosion.
- In some cultures, the silky hairs of the seeds are collected and used as a tinder material to help start fires before matches and lighters became widely available.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Canadian Fleabane is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Canadian Fleabane is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Persistence: Conyza canadensis, commonly known as Horseweed, is known for its ability to thrive in disturbed soils and environments, symbolizing resilience and the ability to persevere through challenging conditions.
- Expandability: Horseweed has a tendency to spread quickly and occupy large areas, representing the concept of expansion, growth, and the spreading of ideas or influence.
- Adaptability: This plant's capacity to adapt to various habitats and its resistance to certain herbicides highlight adaptability, reflecting the ability to adjust and succeed in various circumstances in life.
- Survival: Horseweed's hardiness and the way it continues to grow in spite of adversity symbolizes survival, enduring through hard times and overcoming obstacles.
- Healing: Traditionally, some Native American tribes have used Horseweed for medicinal purposes, which imbues the plant with a symbolic meaning of healing and nurturing health.

💧

When soil is dry

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer to fall

Propogation

✂️️

Not needed

Pruning

Water
Horseweed, commonly known as Conyza canadensis, should be watered moderately as it prefers well-drained soil conditions and is relatively drought-tolerant. It is best to give the plant about 1 inch of water per week, which can be adjusted depending on rainfall and soil moisture levels. Ensure that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage robust root growth. During prolonged dry spells, you might need to water horseweed more frequently, but always allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it's important to avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil
Light
Horseweed thrives best in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but its growth might be less vigorous. For optimal growth and development, place horseweed in a spot where it is exposed to bright and unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. It is a hardy species that adapts to a variety of lighting conditions but truly excels in sunny environments
Temperature
Horseweed is well-adapted to a wide range of temperatures and can survive in conditions as cold as 20°F and as hot as 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for horseweed is between 60°F and 80°F. The plant is robust and can handle occasional temperature fluctuations outside of this range without much difficulty, making it suitable for growth in many climates across the United States
Pruning
Pruning horseweed is not typically necessary, as the plant is an annual or short-lived perennial and will die back on its own. However, if you wish to control its spread or remove unsightly or damaged stems, you can prune it lightly at any time during the growing season. The best time for more significant pruning, if desired, is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and prevents the plant from becoming too weedy or invasive
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
Horseweed thrives best in a loose, well-draining soil mix with a pH between 5.5 to 8.0. A mixture of loamy soil, compost, and sand or perlite can support robust growth, providing nutrients and proper aeration.
Repotting
Horseweed, generally a self-seeding annual, rarely needs repotting. Control its spread as it can become invasive rather than repotting it.
Humidity & Misting
Horseweed is very adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, typically found outdoors in its natural habitat.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place horseweed in a sunny spot and ensure well-draining soil.
- Outdoor
  Choose a sunny area, plant in well-draining soil, and leave space for spread.
- Hardiness zone
  Horseweed is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Life cycle
The Canadian horseweed, *Conyza canadensis*, initially germinates from seed, typically in the fall or early spring, sprouting a rosette of leaves close to the ground. This rosette overwinters and then, in the following spring or early summer, the plant elongates into a flowering stalk, a process known as bolting. The stalk grows rapidly and can reach heights of up to 2 meters, with narrow, hairy leaves arranged alternately along the stem. Flowering occurs from mid-summer to fall, displaying numerous small white to pale pink flowers comprised of both ray and disk florets in dense clusters. Pollination mainly occurs through wind, after which the plant produces copious amounts of tiny seeds equipped with fine hairs that facilitate dispersal by wind. After seed release, which can span into late fall, the plant completes its life cycle, dying off with the onset of colder weather.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer to fall
- The most common name for Conyza canadensis is horseweed, and it is typically propagated through seeds. Optimal propagation time for horseweed is in late summer to early autumn as this aligns with the plant's natural seeding period. To propagate, horseweed seeds are sown directly onto the surface of the soil. These tiny seeds need light to germinate, so they are not covered with soil but may be lightly pressed into the soil to ensure good contact. A thin layer of mulch can help retain moisture, but it's important not to cover the seeds heavily. Regular watering is needed to keep the soil moist until germination, which generally happens within two to three weeks under ideal conditions. Since horseweed is known for its ability to spread easily, it often requires little intervention to propagate once the initial seeds are established.