Conoclinium coelestinum

Conoclinium coelestinum, commonly known as blue mistflower, mistflower, wild ageratum, or blue boneset, is a North American species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It was formerly classified in the genus Eupatorium, but phylogenetic analyses in the late 20th century research indicated that that genus should be split, and the species was reclassified in Conoclinium.

Description
Conoclinium coelestinum normally grows to a height of 1-2.5 ft with round, light green stems and a few or numerous branches. The leaves are opposite and ovate to triangular in shape with blunt teeth, measuring up to 3 in long and 2 in across.

Flat-topped clusters, or panicles, of blue, purple, or lavender flowerheads, measuring 1-3 in, are located at the end of the stems. Each flowerhead consists of about 40-50 disk florets with tiny tubular corollas that have 5 spreading lobes.

Etymology
The genus Conoclinium is from the Greek word for "cone-bed". The specific epithet coelestinum is from the Latin for sky-blue or heavenly.

Distribution and habitat
C. coelestinum is native to eastern and central North America, from Texas to the west, Illinois to the north, the east coast to the east, and Florida to the south. It has been introduced in New York, Michigan, and Ontario. This species prefers moist soils and can be found in wood edges, sandy woodlands and clearings, wet meadows and stream banks.

Ecology
The flowers bloom from July to November and are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Uses
Blue mistflower is often grown as a garden plant, although it does have a tendency to spread and take over a garden. It is recommended for habitat restoration within its native range, especially in wet soils.