Mistflower
By LYNN ARTZ and SANDY TEDDER
Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is an eye-catching wildflower that blooms during late summer into fall. Its clusters of sky-blue flowers attract many pollinators, especially butterflies, moths, and long-tongued bees. Found naturally along wood edges, stream banks, moist meadows, and roadside ditches, this native perennial grows 1-3’ tall. Mistflower is known by many common names including blue mistflower, wild ageratum, pink eupatorium, hardy ageratum, and blue boneset. It should not be confused with the smaller, non-native, annual ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides) sold as a bedding plant for flower gardens. Mistflower is perfect for a wildflower garden in a moist, partially shaded setting. It is blooming now along the north edge of the woodlands and swale at Sopchoppy Depot Park.