Objective: To ascertain the optimal harvest time of Erigeron breviscapus.
Method: The dry matter weight accumulation of different organs in growth process and contents of scutellarin and coffeic acid ester in whole plant of E. breviscapus were determined.
Result: The number of leaves per plant, the dried weight of single leaf and dry matter weight of whole plant and different organs reached the highest after seedling 130-140 d. The content of scutellarin gradually decreased with growth period, and sharply decreased after seedling 140 d. The content of coffeic acid ester varied irregularly with growth period.
Conclusion: The optimal harvest time of E. breviscapus is in early bloom period after seedling 130 d.