Chromolaena odorata
Shrubby Blue Mist
This is an herbaceous perennial that will get woody at the base, but is generally cut back from time to time (usually after blooming is done or if it gets frost-damaged). It grow to about 4x4’ but can climb higher. White to purplish blue flowers can occur almost any time, but especially from fall into winter (the purplish blue flowered plants are the ones usually available in nurseries). Downy floof follows blooming and plants may reseed in the landscape.
Grow in full sun to bright shade, moderate to regular water, foliage may be damaged in the upper 20s °F but grows back quickly. It is probably root hardy at least into the low 20s, if it is an established plant.
When this plant blooms it will be utterly covered in butterflies (and other pollinators). The nectar in the flowers of this plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which some species of butterflies, particularly monarchs, use to attract their mates. The male will pass the alkaloid to the female during mating as a prenuptial gift, which she then coats her eggs with to render them less edible to pests. The floof from the seeds is used in bird nests. Granivorous birds eat the seeds. Larval host for the Fatal Metalmark (Calephelis nemesis).
This plant is used as a traditional medicinal for its wound healing properties. In particular, several parts of this herb have been used to treat wounds, burns, and skin infections. It has also been shown to possess anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Its phytochemical components are alkaloids, flavonoids, flavanone, essential oils, phenolics, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. The other important constituents of this plant are Eupolin, chromomoric acid, quercetagetin, and quercetin, all of which contribute to its remedial properties.
From the tip of southern Texas and also Florida, south to Bolivia. Introduced in tropical regions of Africa and Asia.