Anaphalis margaritacea, commonly known as Pearly Everlasting, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, open woods, and roadsides across parts of northern and central Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant native gardens, pollinator plantings, and restoration projects.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall and features narrow, silvery-gray leaves with a soft, woolly texture. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces clusters of small, white, papery flowers with yellow centers. The flower heads retain their shape and color when dried, hence the name pearly everlasting. The blooms are highly attractive to butterflies and native bees.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Anaphalis margaritacea offers unique texture, subtle beauty, and ecological value. It serves as a host plant for the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) and provides nectar for pollinators. It pairs well with other dry-soil natives like Butterfly Weed, Hoary Vervain, and Little Bluestem in sunny, low-maintenance landscapes.
Anaphalis margaritacea, commonly known as Pearly Everlasting, is a native perennial wildflower found in dry prairies, open woods, and roadsides across parts of northern and central Illinois. It thrives in full sun to partial sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant native gardens, pollinator plantings, and restoration projects.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall and features narrow, silvery-gray leaves with a soft, woolly texture. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces clusters of small, white, papery flowers with yellow centers. The flower heads retain their shape and color when dried, hence the name pearly everlasting. The blooms are highly attractive to butterflies and native bees.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Anaphalis margaritacea offers unique texture, subtle beauty, and ecological value. It serves as a host plant for the American Lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) and provides nectar for pollinators. It pairs well with other dry-soil natives like Butterfly Weed, Hoary Vervain, and Little Bluestem in sunny, low-maintenance landscapes.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: disturbed areas and clearings; dry prairies; grassy slopes; open woodlands; roadsides and railways; sandy or gravelly riverbanks; upland meadows
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: dry
Plant type (height): forb (1 to 2 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: gravelly; loam; sandy
