Object To study the variation of total flavonoids in Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. with the development periods, the months, the affection of the environment and genetical factors on the total flavonoids. Methods The total flavonoids in organs of E. breviscapus during the different deve-lopment periods and the months were determined. The total flavonoids of E. breviscapus in the sunny and shady habitats and the total flavonoids of E. breviscapus with different colors were compared. Results The total flavonoids of E. breviscapus mainly existed in the ground part. The total flavonoids of E. breviscapus are the highest in its flourishing period, and the lowest in its withering period. The variety of the total flavonoids in every organs of E. breviscapus in flourishing period from April to June was not significant. Illumination intensity had little affection to the total flavonoids of E. breviscapus. The colors of E. breviscapus flowers could not be the selected markers for the total flavonoids. The genetic factor played an important role in deciding the difference of the total flavonoids among the individuals. Conclusion It will be optimistic to improve the total flavonoids in E. breviscapus by genetic breeding.