Lucas Land
Pearly Everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea
This unbranched perennial grows from rhizomes to a height of three feet.
The alternate, 3 to 5 inch leaves are narrowly lance-shaped with a conspicuous midvein. White wool covers the entire plant. The small flower heads grow in dense, flat-topped clusters.
The common name derives from the attractive, pearly-white involucral bracts that retain their color and shape when dried - they last forever. A widespread species native to North America and Eurasia, pearly everlasting is a very common weed in disturbed areas and along roadsides, especially in the mountains.
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Has been used as a tobacco substitute.
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Sometimes picked and dried for winter bouquets; cut in full flower and hung upside down.