Montane, subalpine. Meadows, openings. Summer.
Colorado Trail above Roaring Fork, July 26, 2004.

Pearly Everlasting looks similar to Pussytoes (Antennaria spp) that have grown long stems and broad flower heads, but it lacks the basal mat of leaves, the flower shape is quite different, it is taller than most Antennaria  and it is far less common than Pussytoes.  Anaphalis margaritacea flowers seem to be very bright pearly white, but see the photographs for the true flower color.

Even when dry, Pearly Everlasting almost appear to be fresh and new -- thus the common name.  Look for Pearly Everlasting in high mountain meadows bordering woodlands.  The characteristic light green leaves at a 45 degree angle, and the tendency of the plant to grow in large patches make Pearly Everlasting easy to spot -- even from a distance.

"Anaphalis" is from a Greek name for a similar plant and "margaritacea" is Latin for "pearl".

Montane, subalpine. Meadows, openings. Summer.
Horse Creek Trail, August 31, 2005.

Pearly Everlasting flowers are actually yellow to cream-yellow.  The bracts covering the flowers are pearly white and when they unfold, the flowers emerge.  Some Pearly Everlasting plants have flower heads with only male parts, some with only female parts, and some mixed, as in this photograph.  (See dioecious and monoecious.)

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Anaphalis margaritacea