Anaphalis triplinervis

Anaphalis triplinervis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Gnaphalieae
Genus: Anaphalis
Species: A. triplinervis
Binomial name
Anaphalis triplinervis
(Sims) C.B.Clarke
Synonyms [1]
  • Antennaria triplinervis Sims
  • Gnaphalium cynoglossoides Treviranus

Anaphalis triplinervis is a species of flowering herbaceous perennial plant in the family Asteraceae or Compositae, native to the Himalayas and South West China. Grey-green felted leaves produce sprays of small white flowers.[2][3]

The plants with their veined leaves are valued as groundcover, and the blooms as dried flowers, hence the common name "triple-veined pearly everlasting". This plant[4] and the cultivar 'Sommerschnee' ('Summer Snow')[5] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Garden and Landscape Uses

Pearly everlastings are suitable for flower beds and less formal areas. They provide attractive, but not brilliant displays of bloom in late summer and fall. The flowers are useful for cutting and are easily prepared for dried arrangements. This is done by cutting them before they attain their fullest opening and before the whiteness of the stems and foliage begins to dim, tying the stems in small bundles, and hanging them in a cool, airy, shaded place. It is not uncommon to color the dried flowers by dipping them in dyes.

Cultivation

Pearly everlastings thrive with little care in sunny locations where the soil is thoroughly well drained and tends to be dryish rather than wet. They are easily increased by division in early spring, and can be raised from seeds. Dividing in fall is likely to result in winter losses. On poor soils these plants benefit from a spring application of a complete garden fertilizer, but this is unnecessary where the soil is reasonably fertile. Old plants that show signs of deterioration should be dug up, divided, and replanted in fall or spring. This may be needed every third or fourth year.

References

  1. Zhu Shixin & Randall J. Bayer (2011). "Anaphalis". In Flora of China Editorial Committee. Asteraceae Candolle, Prodr. 6: 271. 1838. Flora of China. 20–21. Missouri Botanical Garden Press. ISBN 9781935641070.
  2. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  3. "Plant database - Anaphalis triplinervis ". Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  4. "RHS Plant Selector - Anaphalis triplinervis". Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  5. "RHS Plant Selector - Anaphalis triplinervis 'Summer Snow'". Retrieved 23 May 2013.