SafePlants

Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)

Also known as Wild Ageratum, Blue Boneset, Mistflower, and Hardy Ageratum, Conoclinium coelestinum is a charming addition to gardens, especially known for attracting butterflies.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant spreads readily, and while the text doesn't explicitly mention toxicity, its vigorous growth and potential to naturalize could be a consideration for gardens where pets or children might ingest plant material.
• The flowers have a "fuzzy" texture, which could be interesting or potentially irritating to some animals or sensitive skin.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Conoclinium coelestinum (L.) DC.
• Common Names: Blue Mistflower, Wild Ageratum, Blue Boneset, Mistflower, Hardy Ageratum, Texas Ageratum, Crucita, Pink Eupatorium.
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster or Sunflower Family)
• Synonym: Eupatorium coelestinum. It was formerly classified within the Eupatorium genus. The botanical name Conoclinium (Eupatorium) Greggii is also mentioned in reference to Gregg's Mist Flower.

Distribution and Habitat

• Conoclinium coelestinum is a North American native species, specifically mentioned as native to the eastern U.S. and Nebraska.
• It thrives on sunny edges of wooded gardens or in natural areas.

Ecological Role

• This plant is recognized as a butterfly magnet, making it beneficial for attracting pollinators.
• It naturalizes readily, which means it can spread and establish itself easily in suitable environments. There is a question of if it is invasive, which should be investigated further based on the specific local environment.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is an herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall.
• The plant features branching stems, often with a purplish hue and downy texture.
• Leaves are opposite, almost triangle-shaped to ovoid and toothed, and sometimes described as hairy.
• Flowers are disk flowers, bright blue or violet (sometimes pink or lavender), and about 1/4 inch long. They grow in small clusters of tiny, fluffy blooms. Each flowerhead contains approximately 40-50 disk florets.
• It is rhizomatous, spreading by underground roots.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers are described as resembling a "blue-purple fog" when found in dense stands.
• It's noted that blue is not a common bloom color in late summer, making this plant a valuable addition to the late-season garden.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is attractive to butterflies, making it a valuable addition to gardens designed to support pollinators.

Growing Conditions

• It is very easy to grow and adaptable to typical garden conditions.
• It prefers bright locations but tolerates partial shade.
• Moist, well-drained soil is ideal. It also tolerates clay soils and loves very low water (in reference to Conoclinium greggii).

Further Information

• USDA NRCS Jamie L. Whitten Plant Materials Center
• USF Herbarium
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Dave's Garden
• Native American Seed
• Toadshade Wildflower Farm