Snow Squarestem
The nectar of this native perennial is an insect magnet.
By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY
Snow squarestem (Melanthera nivea) displays its small but showy white flowers in the fall. An insect magnet, the nectar of this native perennial attracts butterflies, skippers, wasps, and bees. Flowering may last into early winter. Snow squarestem grows 1-4 feet tall and tolerates a wide variety of conditions. Though often used for habitat restoration, it can be used in butterfly and wildflower gardens. Also called salt and pepper, snow squarestem has a high tolerance for drought and salt spray. Despite its square stem, this wildflower is in the aster or daisy family, not the mint family. Snow squarestem is blooming now in the large pot at the Rose Street entrance to Sopchoppy Depot Park.