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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.

Fragrant Mistflower (Chromolaena odorata)
Photo: (c) Brian Oakes Haiti Hunter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Brian Oakes Haiti Hunter

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

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Fragrant Mistflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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