Pearly Everlasting

Anaphalis margaritacea ( Pearly Everlasting )
A fast growing to invasive, rhizomatous, dense clumping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 4 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to North America ( from Fairbanks, Alaska to far southwest Northwest Territories to Moosonee, Ontario to Labrador; south to central California to Colorado to central Minnesota to northern Indiana to Maryland ) and eastern Asia. It is very beautiful and is useful in the landscape where it has room to spread. It is found on sand flats, old fields and roadsides in the wild. It has naturalized in North America to as far north as Moosonee, Ontario.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 5.5 x 0.8 inches in size, are whitish-gray.
The abundant, white flowers, up to 0.3 inches across, are borne on loose heads, up to 2.5 inches wide, during late summer to early autumn. The flowers attract butterflies.
Hardy zones 2 to 7 in full sun on very well drained soil. Moderately drought tolerant and also poor soil tolerant, too much moisture may cause rot during winter. Deadhead to encourage repeat blooming, plants can be cut to ground during late fall. Clumps should be divided every 3 years during autumn or spring to maintain vigor. It is easily sown from seed sown during mid-summer; they usually bloom the following year.

* photo taken on Sep 14 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken by Jean Pawek @ CalPhotos

* photos taken on Jul 17 2017 in Ottawa, ON

* historical archive photo

Anaphalis nubigena
A low growing, compact perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 3 feet.
It makes a great plant for the rock garden.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 5.5 inches in length, are silvery.
The abundant, white flowers are borne on loose heads during late summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on very well drained soil. It is very drought tolerant. Too much moisture may cause rot during winter. Clumps should be divided every 3 years during autumn or spring to maintain vigor.

Anaphalis triplinervis
A fast growing to invasive perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 x 3 ( rarely over 2 ) feet, that is native to mountain meadows in the Himalayas.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 8 x 1 inches in size, are silvery above, densely hairy beneath.
The abundant, white flowers are borne on loose heads during late summer to early autumn, often even until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun on moist, well drained soil. It is not drought tolerant. Clumps should be divided every 3 years during autumn or spring to maintain vigor.

Anaphalis yedoensis ( Japanese Pearly Everlasting )
An erect perennial, reaching a maximum size of 32 inches x 4 feet, that is native to the Himalayas and Japan.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are silvery.
The abundant, white flowers are borne on flat heads over a long season lasting from mid to late summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in full sun on very well drained soil. Too much moisture may cause rot during winter. Clumps should be divided every 3 years during autumn or spring to maintain vigor.