Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) has a wide native range across North America and can be found in various habitats ranging from prairies and open forests to alpine regions. This herbaceous perennial's beautiful, papery white flowers add a touch of elegance to the landscape, and the soft, silvery-green foliage creates an attractive contrast.  It is drought-tolerant and well-suited to xeriscaping projects.
 
Blooms can last from mid-summer to early fall, usually starting in July. The flowers persist for an extended period, providing a reliable source of nectar and pollen for pollinators during late summer and early fall when other flowers may be scarce. The plant serves as a larval host for several butterfly species, including the American Lady (Vanessa virginensis), while the flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beetles that use the open-topped flower structures for mating platforms in summer.  However, here at the farm, we find our most avid fan of these plants to be non-native Red Soldier Beetles (Rhagonycha fulva), a beetle so unashamedly bawdy that European common names make reference to it. Additionally, Pearly Everlasting provides cover and habitat for other insects and nesting sites for ground-dwelling birds in open habitats.
 
Pearly Everlasting has a long history of use by Native peoples and early settlers. Its dried flowers were commonly used in traditional crafts, including wreaths, floral arrangements, and medicinal remedies. Pearly Everlasting is valued for the durability of its flowers long after they have dried, making it a popular choice for dried flower arrangements. The plant was also used for its strong fibers, which were employed in making decorative items and textiles.
 
Pearly Everlasting prefers well-drained sandy and loamy soils. Surface sow the seeds in early spring by lightly pressing them into the soil surface before watering. Mature plants can also be propagated through division any time of year. Once established, it is a low-maintenance plant that requires no additional water or fertilizer.