Native Plant Database

Flaigg, Norman G.

Ageratina havanensis (Kunth) King & H.E. Robins.

Havana snakeroot, Mistflower, Shrubby boneset, White mistflower, White shrub mistflower

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Havana snakeroot or mistflower is a rounded shrub, 2-6 ft. tall, with many much-branched stems arising from the base. Leaf blades triangular to roughly ovate or narrower, up to 3 inches long, with 3 main veins; margins wavy to coarsely toothed, tip pointed, and the base broadly tapered to almost perpendicular. Opposite leaves hang from fairly long leaf stalks. Prolific, long-lasting, fragrant, pinkish-white flowers occur in fuzzy, terminal, ageratum-like clusters. Fruit 1/5 inch long, with a crown of bristles on one end.

Blooms best and appears bushier if severely cut back each winter. Drought tolerant. Adapt to most well-drained soils. May be transplanted year-round if cut back by one third.

Image Gallery:

16 photo(s) available

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: Edwards Plateau in TX to n. Mex.; also Cuba and the Bahaman Islands
Native Habitat: Found on rocky hillsides and bluffs in the southern half of the Hill Country. Well-drained sand, loam, clay, limestone. Rocky ravines; ledges; limestone hills
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained, rocky, limesone soils.
Conditions Comments: White mistflower is ideal for a woodland edge. The white to pinkish-white flowers are fragrant and showy. White mistflower provides late summer and early fall color. Booms best and appears bushier if severely cut back each winter. Drought tolerant. Adapt to most well-drained soils. May be transplanted year-round if cut back by one third.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, moths & butterflies. Butterflies and moths love the upright, fuzzy blooms.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Rawsons Metalmark
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Moderate

Last Update: 2009-04-18