SafePlants

Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea)

Pearly everlasting, scientifically known as Anaphalis margaritacea, is a captivating perennial wildflower found across Asia and North America. It's appreciated for its unique floral bracts and adaptability.

Common Names

• Pearly Everlasting
• Western Pearly Everlasting
• Pearly Life Everlasting
• Cudweed
• Pearlflowered Life Everlasting

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anaphalis margaritacea (L.) Benth.
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae or Daisy/Sunflower Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms:
  • Antennaria margaritacea
  • Gnaphalium margaritaceum L.
• Other Varieties/Subspecies Mentioned:
  • Anaphalis lanata
  • Anaphalis margaritacea var. angustior
  • Anaphalis subalpina A. Gray
  • Anaphalis occidentalis (Greene) A. Heller

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has woolly-white stems and gray-green to woolly-white leaves.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to much of northern and western parts of the United States.
• Also native to Asia.
• Found in locations like Mt. Rainier in Washington State.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows 1 to 3 feet high.
• Erect perennial forb.
• Leafy, woolly-white stems.
• Narrow, gray-green to woolly-white leaves.
• Forms a roundish cluster of flower heads with pearly-white bracts, sometimes with a dark spot at the base.
• Rhizomatous and drought-tolerant.
• Grows in clumps, creating a bushy appearance.
• The plant is typically 18 to 24 inches tall.

Ecological Role

• Serves as a host plant for the American Lady butterfly.
• Acts as a nectar plant.
• Self-sows.

Quirky Facts

• The flower bracts last a long time, making them suitable for use in fall flower arrangements and dried floral arrangements.
• In Deitsch, related plants are referred to as "Reiblumm" ("border flower").