Erigeron canadensis

Erigeron canadensis, commonly known as horseweed or fleabane, is a resilient annual herb found globally in disturbed soils. While often viewed as a persistent agricultural weed, it possesses significant ethnobotanical value. Historically, various cultures have utilized its bioactive compounds for their medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

  • Scientific name: Erigeron canadensis
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Erigeron canadensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, it is identified under the genus Erigeron.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Erigeron WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a notable presence across various regions within Northern Europe. Specifically, its distribution can be traced to the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It is also commonly found throughout the landscapes of Finland and Norway. Furthermore, the species has established itself within the territories of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the lush environments of Ireland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Chemicals

Erigeron canadensis has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, Arabinogalactan.

Total chemicals
12
Scientific sources
16

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
arabinose 2 ★☆☆☆☆
galactose 2 ★☆☆☆☆
glucose 2 ★☆☆☆☆
xylose 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Arabinogalactan 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Quercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
apigenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isohamnetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mannose 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Erigeron canadensis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Erigeron canadensis has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include DNA damage, bronchitis, common cold, coughs, radiation injury.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
DNA damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bronchitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
common cold 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coughs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
radiation injury 1 ★☆☆☆☆
respiratory diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
upper respiratory infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆