Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium.
Sweet Everlasting, also known as Rabbit Tobacco, is a herbaceous annual native to the eastern United States where it can often be found growing in dry, sanding portions of prairies, glades, and open woods.
This silvery-green plant grows to about 2 feet in height and produces clusters of small, cone-shaped white flowers that bloom from July through August.
Plant has a scent similar to maple syrup that, as its name suggests, lingers long after fresh clippings have been taken.
Once smoked as tobacco by Native Americans and early American settlers, it was also historically used to treat sore throats, colds, and pneumonia.
Typically blooms in the second year.
Sweet Everlasting
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 10 Light Requirement: Full sun Soil Type: Sandy, well drained Sow Depth: Surface Plant Spacing: 12 to 18 inches Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: July through August Growing Tips
Direct sow seeds in late fall by lightly pressing the seeds into the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 before sowing.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.