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Blue Mistflower
Left: Conoclinium Coelestinum close up in full bloom . https://gnps.org/2024-plant-of-the-year-blue-mistflower/
Left: Conoclinium Coelestinum close up in full bloom . https://gnps.org/2024-plant-of-the-year-blue-mistflower/
Above: Mature Conclinum Coelestinum along pathway. https://www.lhgardens.com/blog/2022/5/12/66-john-robinson-the-columbine-oak-tree-information-wr7h5-xmyb3-xspsy-3tan3-freal-79pz3-rc44w-79lkn-dptxn-e5a8w-7fyrt
Above: Mature Conclinum Coelestinum along pathway. https://www.lhgardens.com/blog/2022/5/12/66-john-robinson-the-columbine-oak-tree-information-wr7h5-xmyb3-xspsy-3tan3-freal-79pz3-rc44w-79lkn-dptxn-e5a8w-7fyrt
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
Blue Mistflower is best grown in full sun to partial shade and in moist soil. They specifically grow best in clay, loam, or sand.
Growth Habit/Description:
Wildflower that grows on average to 2-3 ft in height with wide pointed leaves. Leaves are serrated on the edges with a bright green color. During bloom season, bright clusters of blue/purple flowers can be found at the top of the plants. Spread quickly and are often used as a form of groundcover.
Bloom Season:
Blue/purple flowers grow at the very top of the plant in clusters around late summer (July) and can potentially carry on through late autumn (November).
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
Yes. Due to its late bloom season, flowers attract pollinators and other organisms later into the year.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Fragrant sumac is common along the forested eastern margins of the Great Plains and in open or otherwise disturbed sites on the margins of the Gulf Coast prairie. It grows at a range of sites including open rocky woodlands, valley bottoms, lower rocky slopes, and roadsides.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Fragrant sumac is a host plant for the red-banded hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops) and the spring azure (Celastrina ladon).
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. The leaves and twigs are browsed by deer. Berries provide winter food for birds and other wildlife. The nectar and pollen attract primarily Halictid bees (including green metallic bees), Andrenine bees, cuckoo bees (Nomada spp.), and Syrphid flies. Small carpenter bees burrow into the stems to nest. Many other insects feed on sumacs, including the larvae of long-horned beetles, larvae of gall flies, plant bugs, stink bugs, aphids, treehoppers, larvae of Geometer moths, larvae of owlet moths, and larvae of prominent moths. See list here.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Leaves and twigs are aromatic when bruised.
Related Plant Species: Fragrant sumac is smaller and less aggressive than is relatives Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) and Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac). Its trifoliate leaves resemble those of its relative poison ivy (Rhus radicans) but are smaller in size and non-toxic to humans.
Use For Food/Medicine:
An infusion has been used in the treatment of dysentery and also as a gargle for sore throats. Its use is contraindicated if inflammation is present.
References
References
Harris, L. (2022, September 23). LH Gardens. LH Gardens. https://www.lhgardens.com/blog/2022/5/12/66-john-robinson-the-columbine-oak-tree-information-wr7h5-xmyb3-xspsy 3tan3-freal-79pz3-rc44w-79lkn-dptxn-e5a8w-7fyrt
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgia-Native-Plant-Society/161264557226411?fref=nf. (2024). 2024 Plant of the Year: Blue Mistflower - GNPS. GNPS. https://gnps.org/2024-plant-of-the-year-blue-mistflower/
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). Www.wildflower.org. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=coco13
Conoclinium coelestinum. (2025). Prairie Moon Nursery. https://www.prairiemoon.com/conoclinium-coelestinum-mistflower
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