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Erigeron flettii — horticultural form with pale yellow ligules, marketed under the name "var. distler"
Dwarf perennial of the Asteraceae family, endemic to the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, where it grows on rocky ledges, ridges, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows, near or above the tree line. It is considered a rare species in its natural habitat, widely protected within the Olympic Mountains National Park.
The plant forms small low and compact clumps, barely exceeding 5 to 15 cm in height. The leaves, almost all basal, are spatulate to oblanceolate, dark green, slightly hirsute to glandular, with entire margins and rounded apex. Each stem bears only one capitulum, which is a distinctive feature of the genus in this species.
In its natural habitat, the typical form bears white ligules around a bright yellow disc, and its flowering extends from July to August. The form marketed under the name "var. distler" is distinguished by pale yellow to cream ligules, a shade not described in official botanical literature and likely corresponding to a horticultural selection without validated taxonomic status. In cultivation, flowering occurs in June-July.
It requires a very well-drained substrate, poor to moderately rich, in full sun, sheltered from stagnant winter moisture. Protection against prolonged rain in the cold season is recommended. It is perfectly suited for well-maintained rock gardens, alpine troughs, and cold glasshouse cultivation for demanding enthusiasts.