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Native Plant Society of Texas

White Mistflower

Ageratina havanensis

Other common name(s):

Shrubby Boneset, White Shrub Mistflower, Havana Snakeroot

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Semiarid Edwards Bajada

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

3
to
5
ft.

Spread

3
to
5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Gravelly, Limestone, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Hummingbirds, Moths

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Adapts to most well drained soils. Cut back by 1/2 in winter before new growth begins, if more compact form is desired, or if growing in a small space. In drier areas tends to bloom more toward late summer and fall. Will bloom in the spring and early summer with more rainfall. Although its native habitat is the Edwards Plateau, down to the South Plains Ecoregions, it is adaptable to a variety of soils and has become very popular in gardens throughout Texas, but may need extra care when grown outside of its native region. Propagation: seed, stem cutting, clump division.

Comments

Blooms April-December depending on the growing conditions. A rounded shape bush with clusters of fragrant white flowers. Looks similar to Late Boneset (Eupatorium serotinum), but has woody stems and smaller, triangular shaped leaves. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus. Larval host: Rawson’s Metalmark.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Eupatorium havanense, Eupatorium texense

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Remove lower leaves: Strip off the leaves from the bottom inch or two of the stem to expose the nodes. Prepare your rooting medium: You can use a mixture of potting soil, perlite, and vermiculite, or simply a seed starting mix. Fill a small pot or tray with the rooting medium and moisten it. Insert your cuttings: Gently make a hole in the rooting medium with a pencil or your finger and insert the bottom end of the cutting. Mist and cover: Mist the cuttings and the surrounding air with water. To create a humid environment, you can cover the pot with a plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome. Place in bright, indirect light: Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Patience is key: It can take 2-4 weeks for roots to develop. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when it feels dry. Look for strong, green stems that are about 4-6 inches long. Make a clean cut: Use sharp shears or a knife to make a clean, angled cut just below a node (the point where leaves grow). https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-ageratina-havanensis/
Clump Division Use a sharp knife or garden trowel to divide the plant into several smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. Plant the divided sections in individual pots or in the garden, making sure to water them well. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, making sure not to disturb the roots too much. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-ageratina-havanensis/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason