Fragrant Mistflower
Chromolaena odorata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Fragrant Mistflower (Chromolaena odorata) is a perennial shrub native to FL, TX. It blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.

Toxicity unknown
Fragrant Mistflower (Chromolaena odorata) 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
36"–72" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
FL, TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, nectar insects
Native alternatives to Fragrant Mistflower
Fragrant Mistflower is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
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Fragrant Mistflower is a tall, upright shrub that produces clusters of small, fluffy purple-blue flowers from summer through late fall. This native Texas plant forms a somewhat loose, open structure and provides extended color when many other plants are finishing their bloom cycles.
Growing Fragrant Mistflower
Grow Fragrant Mistflower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fragrant Mistflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
Excellent pollinator plant that attracts butterflies, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects during its long blooming period. Particularly valuable for late-season butterfly migration and fall pollinators.
Common questions
- When does Chromolaena odorata bloom?
- Fragrant Mistflower blooms from June through November, producing clusters of small white fragrant flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Chromolaena odorata?
- This native plant attracts butterflies, bees, and various nectar-feeding insects, making it valuable for pollinator gardens in Florida and Texas.
- Where is Chromolaena odorata native?
- Fragrant Mistflower is native to Florida and Texas, where it grows naturally in sandy soils and open areas.
- Is Fragrant Mistflower HOA-friendly?
- Fragrant Mistflower takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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 Fragrant Mistflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz


