Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum, Prodr. 5: 135 (1836))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 5: 135 (1836)

Year: 1836

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Conoclinium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A., Cuba

Description

Blue mistflower, scientifically known as Conoclinium coelestinum, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This perennial herb is prized for its charming clusters of fluffy, lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late summer to fall. The blossoms are a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators, making it a wonderful addition to gardens aimed at supporting local ecosystems.

Originating from Southeastern Canada, Central, and Eastern United States, and even extending to Cuba, Blue mistflower is quite adaptable to different environments. It typically thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can be found in various habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks. The plant prefers partial to full sun but can tolerate a variety of light conditions, making it versatile for landscape use.

Blue mistflower often grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with dark green, lance-shaped leaves that are slightly toothed. It can spread quickly, creating a dense ground cover that suppresses weeds, but gardeners should be mindful as it has a tendency to become aggressive if not managed properly.

This plant not only brings ornamental value to gardens with its vivid display of flowers but also plays a vital role in local ecosystems by supporting pollinator populations. It’s a beautiful, low-maintenance choice for those looking to enhance their garden with a touch of natural elegance.

Common Names

Deu: blauer wasserdost
Eng: blue mistflower, mistflower, blue boneset, perennial ageratum
Swe: blåflockel
Fra: eupatoire céleste
En: Blue mistflower, Mistflower, Blue boneset, Perennial ageratum
Fr: Eupatoire céleste
De: Blauer Wasserdost
Sv: Blåflockel

Synonyms

• Eupatorium coelestinum f. illinoense (Benke)
• Eupatorium coelestinum (L.)
• Eupatorium coelestinum f. album (Alexander)
• Conoclinium nepetifolium (Greene)
• Conoclinium flaccidum (Greene)
• Eupatorium deltifolium (Raf. ex DC.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• India (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by ebby crow (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Ksivoha levitsky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by Carin Stritch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Hannah Linares (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 9, 2015 by EOL − sfulton93 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 31, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Carol Kelloff (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Matthew Jadlocki (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Jeff Potts (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Joe Gibeau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Julie M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by L Havok (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by Carin Stritch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Jon Bell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Keith Gebhardt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2019 by Alex H (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 25, 2020 by Chee Keong Chan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Jon Bell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Karan (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3090343)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:197044-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Conoclinium coelestinum (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5