Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

White Everlasting (Gnaphalium canescens ssp. microcephalum) is a native perennial herb in the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family that grows primarily in southern California, along the central coast, and in the Sierras. It tends to grow at elevations from sea level to 6,500 feet. Like other members of this genus, the flowers are very long-lasting when dried and are used in flower arrangements. It is the larval host plant for the American lady butterfly. Fuzzy greenish-white leaves and stems sometimes visited by Woolcarder Bees, who harvest the fuzz to build their nests. Flowers very long lasting and good in dried flower arrangements. Pioneer species along with native grasses and lotus (Acmispon) species.


Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

4 ft Tall
2 ft Wide

Dormancy

Summer Semi-deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Cream, White

Flowering season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Water

Low

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / month once established

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 10° F

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Tolerant of a variety of soils including clay, shale, sand, etc.
Soil PH: 5.0 - 8.0

Propagation

By seed

Site type

Flats and slope bottoms, rocky soils. This is a pioneer species that is often found in open or disturbed areas.

Plant communities

Foothill Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest

In the wild it is most often seen with other pioneer species such as Lotus (Acmispon spp.), native grasses, and wildflowers.

Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 14 likely

Confirmed Likely

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana

Clepsis fucana

Cremastobombycia grindeliella

Diastictis sperryorum