Mistflower and white snakeroot are two eupatoriums that have proved useful in my garden.
Mistflower (E. coelestinum) closely resembles the annual garden ageratum that many people think it is a perennial form of the same plant. It grows from 12” to 24” inches tall.
The bluish or lavender flowers come at a time when color is none too plentiful in the garden. White snakeroot (E. rugosum), except for the color of the flowers, is similar to a mistflower. Both are long-lasting when cut.
Appropriate Common Name: Mistflower
The common name of E. coelestinum, mistflower, is most appropriate. The clusters of fluffy flower heads have a delicate, misty appearance.
The plant itself is inclined to be weedy, but when given ample room and kept under control, it is splendid for the wildflower garden or perennial border.
Aluminum edging sunk into the ground around it will keep the mistflower in bounds. Thus planted, it is particularly effective with early flowering yellow chrysanthemums.
White snakeroot has been favored with numerous names, both common and botanical. These include richweed, white sanicle, Indian sanicle, beer wort, and squaw-weed.
Botanically, besides rugosum, this eupatorium has been accorded such species names as ageratoides, fraseri, and urticae folium. No matter the name, white snakeroot adds an airy touch to the garden.
Both of these eupatoriums are Native American wildflowers. They may be planted in the garden in early spring or in the fall. Plants are available from wildflower specialists.
44659 by R. R. Thomasson