Pineland Blackanthers (Melanthera parvifolia)
Pineland Blackanthers (Melanthera parvifolia)
Description: A short-lived perennial shrub with 2-3 foot-tall rounded habit, short-haired leaves resembling a cat's tongue to touch, and 1/2 inch wide rayless flowers with white florets and dark anthers.
Natural Habitat: Pinelands.
Planting and Care: Does best in full sunlight, but flowers fairly well in partial shade. Drought tolerant once established. Give at least 2 feet diameter for plants in full sun. Self-seeds well if surrounding soil is free of duff.
Pros: A handsome medium-sized shrub with dense foliage that suppresses adjacent weed growth, and is almost always flowering. An "insect magnet"; many butterflies, skippers, and other pollinators visit the flowers. An excellent native for a pollinator garden or native restoration.
Cons: Relatively short lived perennial (3-5 years).