Pearly Everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea, or Pearly Everlasting, is a native perennial wildflower native to Michigan and the UP. Hairs on the underside of the leaves and stems give this plant a frosted appearance, adding a nice contrast in the garden. Blooms mid-summer through fall. The small round white flowers have a yellow center when fresh, but dry nicely for cut flower arrangements to a pearly white. Photos depict the fresh flower with pollinator, dried flowers, and the plant's use as a backdrop at the Green Bay Botanical Garden (photos taken in October, so plants are not at their best).
This is one of the host plants for Painted Lady and American Lady butterflies, whose caterpillars with hide in a clump of leaves and silk during the day and feed on the plant at night. It is a bit unsightly, but leave them be. Their butterflies are some of the showiest we have, and the plant will make a full recovery once the babies have grown and flown.
Pearly Everlasting grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet in a mounded clump. It grows in full sun to part shade, and prefers sandy loam to poor, rocky soil, but can also tolerate regular soil. Drought tolerant and resistant to deer. Pairs well with brightly colored flowers with overlapping bloom time, such as Blazing Stars, Black-eyed Susans, or early Goldenrods.