Plant · GBIF taxon 3101060
sweet everlasting
Pseudognaphalium obtusifoliumAlso known as Old Field Balsam, Rabbit Tobacco, Life Everlasting, Fragrant Cudweed
Sweet everlasting fills eastern dry fields and sandy barrens with clusters of papery white flower heads that persist well into winter. When crushed or warmed by late autumn sun, the felty leaves and stems emit a rich scent resembling maple syrup or vanilla. This biennial herb serves as an important host plant for painted lady butterflies in open habitats.
AromaticNativeWildflower
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Herbivorous Insects
- White-Tailed Deer
ThreatsHabitat loss through agricultural expansion and woody plant encroachment
HabitatsDry fields, sandy barrens, roadsides, open woodlands
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAsteraceae
- SpeciesPseudognaphalium obtusifolium
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Crush leaves gently: Rub a dried leaf between your fingers to experience its distinct maple syrup aroma.
- Look for caterpillars: Check the woolly foliage in summer for webbed nests of painted lady caterpillars.
- Observe in winter: Notice how the papery white floral bracts remain intact long after frost.
Host Plant no rights reserved, uploaded by Joan C. Hinojosa · cc0
Frequent Companion Close Relative Family Member
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