Conoclinium coelestinum

Conoclinium coelestinum
Conservation status

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Asteroideae
Supertribe: Helianthodae
Tribe: Eupatorieae
Genus: Conoclinium
Species: C. coelestinum
Binomial name
Conoclinium coelestinum
(L.) DC.
Synonyms

Eupatorium coelestinum

Conoclinium coelestinum, the blue mistflower, is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It was formerly classified in the genus Eupatorium, but phylogenetic analyses in the late 20th century research indicated that that genus should be split, and the species was reclassified in Conoclinium.[1]

Description

C. coelestinum can reach a height of about 3 feet (0.91 m). It has opposite leaves, almost triangular-shaped. On the top this plant forms clusters of bright blue, violet or white flowers, about 1/4 inch long. It flowers from July to November.

Blue mistflower is often grown as a garden plant, although it does have a tendency to spread and take over a garden. It is recommended for habitat restoration within its native range, especially in wet soils.

Distribution

This species is native to eastern North America, from Ontario to Florida to Texas.

Habitat

This species prefers wood edges, sandy woodlands and clearings, wet meadows and stream banks.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Conoclinium coelestinum.
  1. ↑ Schmidt, G. J. and E. E. Schilling. (2000). Phylogeny and biogeography of Eupatorium (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae) based on nuclear ITS sequence data. Am J Bot 87(5) 716-26.

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