Conoclinium coelestinum
Mistflower
- Family: Asteraceae
- Form: Herbaceous perennial growing 1 – 2 feet in height and up to 1 foot wide. Naturally occurs in full sun to part shade along ditches, woods and in wetlands. This rather attractive plant lends itself well to mass plantings in annual and perennial beds due to its desirable flowers that attract butterflies. Reseeds readily.
- Leaves: Simple, opposite, deltoid with an acute apex and toothed margins. 1.5 - 3 inches long. Veins are deeply impressed giving a slightly three dimensional quality. Top and bottom of leaves are pubescent. Unique scent.
- Stem/Bark: Round, green, succulent stems are highly pubescent and sometimes have a reddish tinge in parts.
- Flower: 0.25 inch multi-staminate lavender-blue flowers appear in compact corymbs or clusters each containing 35–70 flowers. Bloom in early spring to very late fall or even winter in milder climates. Disk florets with showy (misty) stamens.
- Fruit: Abundant, tiny, tufted achenes are easily dispersed by wind.
- Comments: This species is sometimes listed as the former name of Eupatorium coelestinum and is related to the highly popular and widely cultivated nonnative Ageratum houstonianum.
- Additional Resources:
The Institute for Regional Conservation Link
Wikipedia Link
