Pearly vs. Pussy

Anaphalis margaritaceae, June 30, 2023

Common & scientific name

Pearly everlasting, Anaphalis margaritacea

Family

Sunflower, Asteraceae

Location

Classy Cliffs, 8,300’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact

Pearly everlasting, seen roadside and in meadows throughout our valley, grows in profusion via underground stems (“rhizomes”). It has no ray flowers, just small yellow disk flowers that early in bloom are completely enclosed within papery white bracts, making them appear pearl-like (as in this photo). And while Pearly everlasting looks like a Pussytoe (Antennaria sp.), it is taller and doesn’t have an extensive mat of small leaves at its base.

Weller Lake area, 9,800’, August 15, 2023