Western pearly everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis
ABOUT
The commonly known as the Western pearly everlasting, this plant is distinguished by its clusters of small, pearl-like flower heads which have a charming, fluffy appearance. The flowers are a soft white, with a yellowish center, looking like tiny, delicate buttons. These flower heads are set atop erect, slender stems that are covered in a woolly, silvery-white texture which lends a unique matte finish to the overall look of the plant. The foliage of the Western pearly everlasting consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that have a matching silvery-grey hue on both sides due to a fine layer of small hairs. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, creating a somewhat spiraled look as they ascend the stalk. The stems and leaves together create a somewhat muted, but visually captivating texture, with the white flowers providing a bright contrast that can catch the eye from afar. In terms of its growth habit, it is known for creating a visually cohesive display with a bushy, clumped appearance. The overall impression is of a rustic and perhaps even somewhat whimsical nature, making the Western pearly everlasting a beloved choice for dry, sunny garden spots where it can thrive and brighten the scene with its long-lasting blooms. Overall, its appearance is marked by a certain robust durability and it's frequently used in dried flower arrangements because the blooms retain their beauty and shape when dried.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Western Pearly Everlasting, Pearl Everlasting, Yedoensis
Common names
Gnaphalium margaritaceum var. yedoense, Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoense.
ToxicityTo humans
Pearly Everlasting is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis, commonly referred to as Pearly Everlasting, poses any substantial risk if ingested by humans. However, like with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort or reactions in some people. It is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically identified as edible.
To pets
Pearly Everlasting is not known to be toxic to pets. Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis, commonly known as Pearly Everlasting, has no known significant toxicity to domestic animals such as dogs and cats. Therefore, ingesting this plant is not expected to cause poisoning symptoms. Nonetheless, ingestion of non-food items can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets. As with any plant, moderation is key, and pets with known plant allergies or sensitivities might experience adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, shows resilience to drought conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Erosion Control: Helps stabilize soil with its root system, preventing soil erosion particularly in sloped areas.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers visual interest with its pearly white flowers and can be used in various garden styles, including rock gardens and borders.
- Wildlife Habitat: Can provide shelter and food for small wildlife, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Adds texture and color to the garden, especially during its blooming period in the summer and fall.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antiseptic: The plant might have antiseptic qualities, making it useful for cleaning wounds and preventing infection.
- Astringent: It is sometimes used as an astringent, which can help contract skin cells and other body tissues.
- Diaphoretic: This plant has been used to induce sweating, helping in detoxification and fever reduction.
- Expectorant: It may act as an expectorant, aiding the body in expelling phlegm from the respiratory tract.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis, commonly known as Western pearly everlasting, can be used as a dye plant, providing a yellow pigment when used with a mordant.
- The fluffy texture of the flowers allows them to be used as a natural stuffing material for small cushions or dolls.
- Their long-lasting quality when dried makes them ideal for creating permanent floral displays and wreaths.
- They can be included in potpourri mixes for a subtle texture contrast and their gentle, straw-like scent.
- The dried stems and flowers can be used in paper-making to add a decorative, natural element to handmade papers.
- Because of their sturdy stems, they can be woven into baskets or used in other forms of fiber arts.
- The plant's natural resilience to drought makes it suitable for xeriscaping and contributing to sustainable landscaping practices.
- Their silvery foliage and unique flower clusters can be used in crafts, such as creating table centerpieces or enhancing gift packaging.
- Due to their ability to thrive in poor soil, they are used to stabilize soil in areas susceptible to erosion.
- Western pearly everlasting can also be a teaching tool in botany and ecology to demonstrate plant adaptation and survival strategies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Western Pearly Everlasting is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Western Pearly Everlasting is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace - Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis, commonly known as the Western Pearly Everlasting, is often associated with peace due to its serene appearance and white, pearl-like flowers.
- Immortality - Its everlasting blooms that seem to resist wilting symbolize eternal life or immortality.
- Purity - The white color of its flowers is traditionally linked to purity and innocence.
- Healing - The plant has been used in traditional medicine, and thus can symbolize healing and recovery.
- Remembrance - Pearly Everlasting is sometimes used in memorials and graves, symbolizing remembrance for the deceased and the everlasting nature of memory.
WaterPearly everlasting should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, this means watering the plant every 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and soil conditions. Outdoor plants will generally require about 1 gallon of water each time for a medium-sized plant. Ensure that the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots rather than just wetting the surface. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil moisture level first to avoid overwatering.
LightPearly everlasting thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate some shade, too much will result in leggy plants with fewer flowers. Full sun ensures the healthiest growth and abundant blooms.
TemperaturePearly everlasting prefers moderate temperatures and can generally withstand temperatures ranging from 20°F to 80°F. However, the ideal temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 70°F. It is somewhat frost hardy but may suffer if exposed to prolonged temperatures below the minimum range.
PruningPearly everlasting should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, should be done as needed throughout the flowering season. Pruning in late winter or early spring can invigorate plant growth, and this is the best time to cut back any old or dead foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Western Pearly Everlasting thrives in well-drained soil with a mix of loam, sand, and peat, offering good aeration and moisture retention. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth conditions.
RepottingWestern Pearly Everlasting doesn't require frequent repotting; it can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot to ensure continued health and space for growth.
Humidity & MistingWestern Pearly Everlasting prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity levels typically found in home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-drained soil, and occasional watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, frost-tolerant.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis, commonly known as the Pearl Everett or Western Pearly Everlasting, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures and moisture levels are conducive for growth. Seedlings develop a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, where they may remain for a period of time before stem elongation, or bolting, occurs. The plant then progresses into its vegetative growth stage, producing long, slender stems and narrow leaves covered with a woolly down. Following this, the flowering stage takes place in the summer, displaying numerous small white flowers with yellow centers clustered at stem tips, which are attractive to a range of pollinators. After pollination, the plant produces seeds encased in fluffy structures that facilitate wind dispersal. The plant completes its cycle with senescence after seed dispersal, though some plants may display perennial characteristics by surviving through the winter and resuming growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea var. yedoensis) is through seed sowing. Seeds can be directly sown outdoors in fall, allowing them to undergo a natural stratification process during the winter. Alternatively, for spring sowing, the seeds require a period of cold stratification for around 4-6 weeks before planting, which can be achieved by placing them in a refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 4 degrees Celsius). After stratification, they are then sown on the surface of a seed starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Consistently moist soil and a germination temperature between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (around 18-21 degrees Celsius) offer the best conditions for sprouting. Seedlings can then be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
