Objective To study the effect of light intensity and light quality on the growth and total flavonoid accumulation of Erigeron breviscapus. Methods Young plants of E. breviscapus were planted under various color films and light intensities, their biomass and total flavonoid content were determined when plants flowered. Results The biomass and total flavonoid content of individuals under 100% and 80% sunshine were higher than those under 50% sunshine. The biomasses of plants under yellow, red, purple, or blue film were lower than those under white film. Under the blue film, the total flavonoid content of the plant was the highest; while under white film, the total flavonoid yield was the highest. Conclusion Light intensity and light quality significantly affect the growth and total flavonoid accummulation of E. breviscapus. The biomass and total flavonoid yield are the highest when under full sunshine.