Western Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea

Anaphalis  margaritacea, or Pearly everlasting, is a herbaceous perennial or biennial with long-lasting, yellowish-white flowers resembling tiny asters. In some cases, the plant will overwinter as a low rosette of leaves, while in other cases, the plant completes its growth and development within a single year The plant is found throughout North America and typically grows wild in moist meadows, by rivers, and in sandy and waste places. The dried stalks with their pure white flowers are attractive in dried floral arrangements.

Pearly everlasting grows best in a light, well-drained, moist soil with full sun. However, it tolerates most soils, including dry or poor ones, and light shade. It seems to do well in the shade of buildings, but not the shade of trees, and it tolerates drought better than most species of Anaphalis. Pearly everlasting tolerates frost and usually flowers in late summer with seeds ripening in the fall. The plant is dioecious (that is, individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant) thus both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. However, it is an easy plant to propagate by division. The stem has a soft gray color from the hairs on its surface that makes it a good plant for separating other bold colored flowers that might otherwise clash. Its short stature lends itself to use as an edging plant.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect issues. It is somewhat susceptible to damage from caterpillars and it can spread aggressively under optimum growing conditions.