Pearly everlasting

A species native to North America, the pearly everlasting is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 30 to 90 cm. Its small, pure white flowers last for quite some time, whence the name “everlasting.”

The flowers are grouped together in flowerheads: that is, inflorescences made up numerous stemless flowers. Those flowerheads, located at the top of the plant, form flat or slightly rounded groupings.

A special characteristic of this species is the presence of a whitish down on the stem and leaves, which helps give the plant its silvery appearance. The stem, which stands upright, branches only at flower level.

It has alternate, elongated, narrow, toothless leaves.

The tiny fruit are surrounded with hairs. They are often found in the flowerheads all winter long.