From Oregon Flora, Gardening with Natives:
Showy fleabane is a classic meadow wildflower, with daisy-like purple petals and a large, yolky-yellow center. Leaves are narrow and tend to fall off the stem as the season progresses, leaving only a small bundle of arrow-shaped leaves at the flower’s base. In autumn, leaves turn red and purple, and flowers mature into fluffy white seed heads. Plant showy fleabane for a dramatic sweep of summer color and as butterfly habitat in meadow or woodland gardens.