Alternate name: Crucita

Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family

Description Blue Mistflower or Crucita is a deciduous sub-shrub in North America. (It is a shrub in the tropics.) Branched stems curve upward and are 2-6 ft. in height. Somewhat triangular-shaped leaves are virtually evergreen in extreme southern Texas. Lilac to bright purplish-blue flowers cluster together into showy, ageratum-like flower heads.

Habitat Plains; open fields.

Range Tropical America, north to Florida, s.e. Texas, and the Rio Grande Plain.

Discussion Dies back to the roots in hard winters.

Comments Because of leggy growth habit, it should be cut back once/year. Dies back to the roots in hard winters. Can be trained on an espalier.

Exposure Preference Sun to partial shade.

Flower September - October

Native Distribution Tropical America, n. to the Gulf States, s.e. Texas & the Rio Grande Plain

Site Preference Plains; open fields

Soil Preference Various well-drained soils.

Wildlife Value Attracts butterflies.