Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the United Kingdom, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is commonly found in damp habitats such as marshes, wet meadows, riverbanks, and ditches throughout the UK.

Common Fleabane thrives in nutrient-rich, moist soils with good drainage. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils. It prefers habitats with full sun to partial shade, often growing in areas with high moisture levels.

As a perennial plant, Common Fleabane forms clumps of erect stems with lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small yellow flowers in late summer to early autumn. These flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

Predators of Common Fleabane include herbivores such as grazing mammals and insects, which may feed on its foliage and flowers. However, its bitter-tasting leaves and aromatic compounds often provide some protection from extensive browsing.

Culturally, Common Fleabane does not hold significant symbolic or traditional references in the UK. However, it is valued for its ecological importance and is sometimes cultivated in gardens or used in restoration projects to improve wetland habitats.

An interesting fact about Common Fleabane is its historical use in traditional herbal medicine to treat various ailments, including dysentery and skin inflammations. Additionally, it has been used as a natural insect repellent, hence its name “Fleabane.”