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Blue Mistflower
Left: Conoclinium coelestinum close up in full bloom .
(Image from gnps.org.)
Left: Conoclinium coelestinum close up in full bloom .
(Image from gnps.org.)
Above: Mature Conclinum coelestinum along pathway.
(Image from lhgardens.com.)
Above: Mature Conclinum coelestinum along pathway.
(Image from lhgardens.com.)
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: Blue Mistflower is found in almost 50% of the U.S, ranging from New York Texas. They grow in many different sites, most commonly being moist woodlands and prairies. It is often found growing along the edges of streams, ditches, and clearings.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Blue Mistflower is a host plant for many caterpillars of moths including the Clymene Moth (Haploa clymene), the Three-Lined Flower Moth (Schinia trifascia), and the Lined Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia lineata).
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. The late blooming season of the flowers feeds many pollinators including short tongued bees, long tongued bees, butterflies, flies, beetles, and skippers. Due to the bushy and fast-growing nature of the plant, it is also used as a shelter and nesting site for organisms.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Named after the sky blue color the flowers often have.
Related Plant Species: Blue mistflower has several related species less widespread including Gregg's Mistflower (Conoclinium greggii) , Betony-leaf Mistflower (Conoclinium betonicifolium) distinguishable by its spring-summer bloom time, and Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum) which, while not related to Mistflower, look very similar and are distinguishable by the flower colors and summer bloom time.
Use For Food/Medicine:
Due to its antioxidant contents and anti-inflammatory properties, Blue Mistflower has been used traditionally to treat fevers, respiratory problems, and wounds. In some settings, it was also brewed into teas for health purposes.
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
Foster, J. (2025, January 12). Blue Mistflower – An Aggressive Native With A Purpose. Growit Buildit. https://growitbuildit.com/blue-mistflower-conoclinium-coelestinum
Farms, M. (2025, August 6). Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping. Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscaping. https://www.meadowsfarms.com/blog/blue-mistflower
Mistflower | Cape Cod Native Plants. (2025). Capecodnativeplants.org. https://capecodnativeplants.org/mistflower/
Bowen, D. L. (2024, August 22). How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Blue Mistflower. Epic Gardening. https://www.epicgardening.com/blue-mistflower/
Conoclinium coelestinum (Ageratum, Blue Boneset, Blue Mistflower, Blue Mist Flower, Hardy Ageratum, Mistflower, Wild Ageratum) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). Plants.ces.ncsu.edu. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/conoclinium-coelestinum/
Taylor, D. (2023, October 8). Native spotlight: blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum). Kentucky Native Plant Society. https://www.knps.org/native-spotlight-blue-mistflower-conoclinium-coelestinum/
Green Immune. (2024, December 11). Blue Mistflower: A Breath of Fresh Air for Your Health. Green Immune. https://www.green-immune.com/forum/wellness-forum/blue-mistflower-a-breath-of-fresh-air-for-your-health
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