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).