Description
Melanthera nivea
Also known as: Pineland Square Stem, Salt & Pepper or Snow Square Stem
Perennial Wildflower
Sometimes Called Salt & Pepper due to its characteristics and it attracts a high volume of butterflies, skippers, bees, wasps and even hummingbirds. It has only white disk florets in its flower head–unlike a sunflower, it has no ray florets that look like petals. Its common name comes from the white flowers and its square stems with a mostly opposite leaf arrangement. The square stem is a perennial that dies to the ground each winter and over winters with a ring of basal leaves. It can tolerate poor soil, drought, and some salt spray, which are all important traits for much of its range, particularly in Florida. These plants can grow up to four feet tall so you can plant it behind some other flowers or low plants for show. Awesome pollinator nectar source! You will have “buzzers” all day long with this plant! One of Donna’s favorite pollinator nectar perennials.
Hardiness Zone: 8-10
Mature Growth: 4 feet high
Wildlife: Flowers are attractive to butterflies & bees
Larval Host Plant for: Silvery Checkerspot butterfly
