South Carolina native wildflower, Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum), is a fall flowering perennial that attracts butterflies.
Ginger Long, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Every fall, I look forward to the flowers of Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) blooming next to the creek that runs through my neighborhood. The blue flowers resemble the annual flower, Ageratum, and one of its common names is Wild Ageratum. However, Blue Mistflower is a perennial wildflower.
Native to most of the East Coast, Blue Mistflower grows along streams, roadside ditches, and woodland areas with moist soil. It often grows alongside South Carolina’s state wildflower, Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima).
Blue Mistflower is equally happy growing in a home garden. It prefers sun to part shade and moist to well-drained soil. Reaching 2 to 3 feet tall, Blue Mistflower spreads by rhizomes and seeds, so monitor regularly to keep it in bounds. It is cold hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10.
Its tolerance of moist soils makes Blue Mistflower a good candidate for a rain garden. Pair it with other native flowers like Joe Pye Weed, Black Eyed Susan, and Cardinal Flower.
Blue Mistflower is a fall nectar source for many butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The HGIC Factsheet, Butterflies of South Carolina, lists it as a preferred nectar source for Little Metalmark, Duke’s Skipper, and Salt Marsh Skipper butterflies.
For more information, see HGIC 1735, Butterflies of South Carolina.
