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| ## blue mistflower {#blue-mistflower .Title-Header}                   |
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| *Conoclinium coelestinum* (L.) DC.                                    |
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| Plant Symbol = COCO13                                                 |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Jamie L. Whitten Plant Materials Center

##### ![Color image of Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.1in" height="3.0in"}

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##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

*Eupatorium coelestinum* L., wild ageratum

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

This plant is used mainly for landscape beautification. It has potential
for use in cultivated, garden situations, in naturalized prairie or
meadow plantings, and along roadsides.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Weediness {#weediness .Header-3}

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please
consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service
office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding
its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS
Web site at plants.usda.gov.

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Sunflower Family (Asteraceae). Mistflower is an erect (to 3 feet),
rhizomatous perennial, often forming colonies. It is a U.S. native. The
opposite leaves are oval-shaped, hairy, and have toothed edges. The
small flower heads are clustered at the top of the plant. They are
powder blue to violet and fluffy in appearance, similar to Ageratums
used as garden bedding plants. The tiny seeds are black, elongated, and
have long white hairs attached to one end.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Mistflower is adapted to most soil types, but is especially suited to
heavy textured and to highly organic soils. Natural stands are found on
moist to wet sites, such as low woods, wet meadows, and ditches. It
grows best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade.

Blue mistflower is distributed throughout the eastern and midwest United
States. For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile
page for this species on the PLANTS Website.

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##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

A clean, firm seedbed is essential. The site should be treated with a
herbicide to control existing vegetation, tilled, cultipacked once or
twice, and allowed to settle thoroughly before sowing. Broadcast ½ to ¾
gram seed per 100 square feet (½ to ¾ lb/acre). Bulk sowing rates
usually need to be increased to allow for low purity values. The seed
can be mixed with sand or rice hulls to increase volume so that it will
be easier to spread uniformly over the planting site. Seed must remain
on the soil surface because they are easily smothered when buried in the
soil. The seed will not germinate until the following spring, but will
benefit from the cool, moist winter environment.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Apply fertilizer according to soil test recommendations. If not
available, a rate of 3½ to 5½ oz/100 square feet (100 to 150 lbs/acre)
of 13-13-13 should be applied after the seedlings are established and
annually thereafter. Stands can be mowed in the spring and early summer.
Later mowings should be delayed until the plants have set seed.

##### Control {#control .Header-3}

Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county
weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it
safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control
method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to
provide specific information. USDA, NRCS does not guarantee or warranty
the products and control methods named, and other products may be
equally effective.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Jamie L. Whitten Plant Materials Center, Coffeeville, MS

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##### Edited: 01Feb2002 JLK; 01jun06 jsp {#edited-01feb2002-jlk-01jun06-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
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origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
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large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*