Stop 4: Padre Island Mistflower (Conoclinium betonicifolium)

Common Name: Padre Island Mistflower 

Scientific Name: Conoclinium betonicifolium 

Family Name: Asteraceae 

Duration: Perennial 

Size: Stems erect to decumbent, up to about 6 feet long 

Leaf Arrangement: Opposite 

Blooming Months: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter 

Distribution: TX 

General Description 

The Padre Island mistflower, Conoclinium betonicifolium, is a perennial herb that displays small periwinkle-colored flowers with a fuzzy-looking appearance. The inflorescence type, or the arrangement of the flower parts of the plant, is what’s known as an umbel and resembles an umbrella in shape. The plant roots at the nodes and takes root in sand or sandy clay, and the time of year for blooming mistflowers usually ranges from early spring through late summer. Within the park, this plant is most common near ephemeral ponds and marshes, roadsides, open grasslands, and disturbed areas. The mistflower is moderately tolerant of drought periods and partial shade but thrives most effectively in areas of full sun. 

Park Wildlife Ecology/Connections 

Mistflower is one of the most important nectar sources for butterflies and moths on the island. This plant is the larval food plant for the Rounded metalmark butterfly and several species of moths.  

North American Ethnobotany 

Native Americans used this plant externally and internally for just about every malady known, including drinking a tea from the roots to treat alcoholism. Mistflower was also used to treat horses internally for fevers and parasites and externally on swollen sore joints. Native Americans would place entire plants in the liquor flasks of their enemies as a poison.