Pearly Everlasting

Pearly everlasting is a hardy perennial wildflower native to meadows, open forests, roadsides, and other sunny habitats across much of North America. It grows 1–3 feet tall and is easily recognized by its narrow, silvery-green, woolly leaves and clusters of small, white, papery flower heads that bloom from summer into fall. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other insects, and the foliage serves as a larval host for the American lady butterfly. The papery bracts of the flowers look showy into winter and can be used in dried flower arrangements. Drought tolerant once established, pearly everlasting is a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, dry meadows, and native plantings.