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.)