pearly everlasting

A. margaritacea grows erect up to about 90 centimetres (3 feet) tall, with narrow, alternate leaves up to 12.5 cm (5 inches). The undersides of the leaves are densely covered in tiny hairs. The stems are dry and brittle. The whitish to yellowish flower grows to about 6 millimetres (1⁄4 in) across as part of a corymb inflorescence, the most conspicuous part of which is the numerous pearly white bracts that surround the disc florets. It blooms between June and September. The plant is dioecious, meaning the pollen-producing (male) and seed-producing (female) flowers are borne on separate plants.

It is widespread across most of Canada and the United States, as well as northwestern Mexico. Asian populations are found in China, the Russian Far East, Japan, Korea, northern Indochina, and the Himalayas. The species is reportedly naturalized in Europe though not native there. It prefers dry, sunny climates, but is hardy to temperatures well below freezing.

The leaves are host to the caterpillars of the American painted lady butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis) and the painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui).

The flowering stems of western pearly everlasting can be dried and the fluffy flower heads are used in dried flower arrangements. The leaves and young plants are edible when cooked.

Western pearly everlasting is sometimes grown by gardeners for its attractive foliage and modestly beautiful white blooms. They prefer a well drained soil, somewhat sandy and dry and with less organic matter. At least part sun conditions, if not full sun, are required for them to grow successfully. They can become somewhat aggressive spreaders in optimal conditions.

The species' common name 'pearly everlasting' comes from the pearly white bracts.