The Genus Conoclinium
Mistflowers
The mistflowers are an essential addition to any butterfly garden. There are 4 species in the US and Mexico. They tend to inhabit riparian, moist soils. The 4 species are all very similar-looking—creeping, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennials with purplish blue flowers.
What is important to know about them is that they are very nectar rich (thus attracting and servicing a lot of pollinators) and that this is one of those plants that have Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which monarchs use to attract each other, and also coat their eggs with to make them less attractive to predators.
That basically means that when these plants are blooming, they will be covered in butterflies. And particular species looking to utilize those PAs, like monarch butterflies, will especially be there. These plants, therefore, make great companion plants with milkweeds which monarch and queen butterflies use as larval hosts.
We have two species that tend to be available in our region. Perhaps some day we might obtain the other two for propagation. This genus was formerly known as Eupatorium.
Photo is Conoclinium dissectum by Frankie Coburn, SEINET
Conoclinium coelestinum
Boneset Mistflower
Growing to around two feet high (a little bigger if very happy), boneset mistflower spreads to form a dense ground cover, or large patch, in partially shaded settings with moist well-drained soils. It also does well in full sun, given adequate moisture. A vigorous spreader by rhizome, if it gets cold enough, these plants can go dormant, though as long as they get enough water, in our region they often don’t. But they do need to be cut back once in a while like many perennial plants. Plants bloom dependably in fall, lasting later than the species mentioned below.
Plants excel in part sun to even shady spots, with regular moisture. They are hardy to very cold temperatures that we don’t see in Arizona. Best in amended garden soil. Plants are best lifted and divided once in a while, since they spread like. a mint.
As mentioned above, these are excellent pollinator plants, especially for monarch butterflies. Numerous moths and some butterflies use this as a larval host, including the American snout butterfly.
This species is most commonly used to treat skin infections and sore throats. The leaves can be applied to wounds to stop the bleeding (thus the common name). Studies have also shown that the mistflower has high antioxidant properties.
The generic name is derived from the Greek words κῶνος (kônos), meaning "cone", and κλινίον (kliníon), meaning "little bed" referring to the flowers. The specific epithet coelestinum is from the Latin for sky-blue or heavenly.
Native to eastern and central North America, from Texas to the west, Illinois to the north, the east coast to the east, and Florida to the south.
Photo by KENPEI, Wikipedia.
Conoclinium dissectum
Gregg’s Mistflower
Gregg’s mistflower is our own, closer native mistflower. The leaves, compared to boneset mistflower, are more dissected, and the plant doesn’t grow quite as tall. Generally its between 1-2’ tall, but still spreading, and rhizomatous. Plants need to be cut back occasionally. The purplish blue flowers appear summer into fall.
Provide full to part sun, or even bright shade. More sun will give you more flowers, but the more sun the plants have, they’ll require more water. Avoid reflective heat. Amended soil is recommended for the best-looking plants. Hardy to 0°F. Plants may go dormant in winter, briefly. Cut back as needed.
As mentioned above, these are excellent pollinator plants, especially for monarch butterflies. Numerous moths and some butterflies use this as a larval host, including the American snout butterfly.
Like boneset mistflower, this species can be used to treat skin infections and sore throats. The leaves can be applied to wounds to stop the bleeding (thus the common name). Studies have also shown that the mistflower has high antioxidant properties.
The generic name is derived from the Greek words κῶνος (kônos), meaning "cone", and κλινίον (kliníon), meaning "little bed" referring to the flowers. The specific epithet dissectum, refers to the dissected foliage which is a distinguishing characteristic of this plant.
This is a riparian species in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, south into central Mexico. It naturally grows on a variety of soils, but the consistent theme is moisture.
Photo by KENPEI, Wikipedia.