Pearly Everlasting, Western pearly everlasting

Anaphalis margaritacea

Physical Characteristics

Anaphalis margaritacea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

N. America. N.E. Asia. Naturalized in Britain.

Habitats

Meadow; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antiseptic Astringent Dysentery Expectorant Poultice Sedative Pearly everlasting was often employed medicinally by native North American Indian tribes who used it in the treatment of a range of ailments[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism. The whole plant is anodyne, antiseptic, astringent, expectorant and sedative[4, 61, 168, 222]. Used internally, it is a good remedy for diarrhoea, dysentery and pulmonary affections[4]. A poultice of the flowers or the whole plant is applied to burns, sores, ulcers, bruises, swellings and rheumatic joints[4, 222, 257]. An infusion of the plant is steamed and inhaled in the treatment of headaches[257]. a cooled infusion of the roots and shots has been used as a laxative and emetic to treat 'poison stomach'[257].

Known Hazards

None known