Thoroughwort Conoclinium greggii

Palm-leaf Mistflower is an herbaceous perennial, North American wildflower in the daisy (Asteraceae) family that spreads by its rhizomes.  It is native to the southwest United States and typically found in locations with gravelly soil and full sun and growing along stream beds and overflow areas. It typically grows 12 to 18 inches tall and spreads to 24 inches wide or more. The plant has an erect to decumbent habit, often deeply lobed leaves and showy heads of deep lavender to light blue disk flowers with long threadlike stigmas. The plant's blue flowers have a misty appearance, hence the common name, and it blossoms from mid-summer to fall. The Latin species name 'greggii' was added to 23 species of plants by the American Botanical Society in honor of Josiah Gregg (1806-1850) who's exploration and horticultural findings were published as "Commerce of the Prairies".

Palm-leaf Mistflower does best in dry to medium moisture, well-drained loam in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. Plants can spread somewhat aggressively by rhizomes in optimum growing conditions.

Palm-leaf Mistflower is winter hardy to USDA zone 7, but where winters are cold it can be planted as an annual in a protected area or brought in as a container plant. It is also self-seeding, which makes it useful as a ground cover and can ensure year-to-year enjoyment. The mist flower that is native to the east will be better suited for North Carolina gardens. See this plant listed to the left.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 

No known diseases or insect pests. Can become weedy.