Carolina Woollywhite
Hymenopappus scabiosaeus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Carolina Woollywhite (Hymenopappus scabiosaeus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Carolina Woollywhite.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Carolina woollywhite produces clusters of small white flowers on sturdy stems above silvery-green foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial blooms from May through July and maintains a compact, upright form that works well in sunny gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Woollywhite is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- May appear sparse or weedy outside bloom period
- Woolly foliage texture might look unkempt to some
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long summer bloom period. This native plant provides excellent nectar sources for pollinators during peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Carolina Woollywhite need?
- Carolina Woollywhite grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Carolina Woollywhite bloom?
- Carolina Woollywhite blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Carolina Woollywhite native?
- Carolina Woollywhite (Hymenopappus scabiosaeus) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Carolina Woollywhite attract?
- Carolina Woollywhite draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Carolina Woollywhite HOA-friendly?
- Carolina Woollywhite is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Carolina Woollywhite? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.