Gnaphalium californicum, Pseudognaphalium californicum - California Everlasting, California Cudweed

Gnaphalium californicum is one of the most fragrant California native plants I know. The California Everlasting is great as a fresh cut flower where the yellow and white flowers shine and as a dried flower. The fragrance gradually fades over the course of several seasons as a dried flower. Gnaphalium californicum is tolerant of a wide variety of soil types and disturbed soil. The California Cudweed is a biennial or short lived perennial. While I rarely plant Gnaphalium californicum I almost always leave it if I am lucky enough to have it come up in a garden. Gnaphalium californicum is great for the butterfly garden, attracting the White Checkered Skipper, Northern White Skipper, Great Purple Hairstreak, Mormon Metalmark, and Painted Lady butterflies. Gnaphalium californicum grows 18" to 36" tall and mixes well in the perennial border. Gnaphalium californicum has been hardy to at least the mid teens in our gardens. This plant has had a name change to Pseudognaphalium californicum, while this is the official name I see the California Everlasting more often available under the name Gnaphalium californicum.