San Diego Rabbit-Tobacco
(Pseudognaphalium microcephalum)
San Diego Rabbit-Tobacco (Pseudognaphalium microcephalum)
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Joe Decruyenaere
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Joe Decruyenaere
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Joe Decruyenaere | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: joedecruyenaere | Publisher: Flickr













Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pseudognaphalium microcephalum, commonly known as San Diego Rabbit-Tobacco, White Everlasting, Smallhead Cudweed, Wright’s Cudweed, or Smallhead Rabbit Tobacco, is an evergreen herb. It is native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and dry slopes in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. This plant typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and a width of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters). It features clusters of small, white to cream-colored flowers that are not particularly showy but bloom in the summer and fall, adding a subtle charm to the landscape. The foliage is also noteworthy for its silvery-gray color and fuzzy texture.
Pseudognaphalium microcephalum is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in borders where its low water requirements and evergreen foliage are beneficial. It prefers full sun to part shade and does well in sandy or loamy soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This plant is also appreciated for its medicinal properties, as it has been traditionally used for various ailments by indigenous peoples.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pseudognaphalium microcephalum is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in borders where its low water requirements and evergreen foliage are beneficial. It prefers full sun to part shade and does well in sandy or loamy soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. This plant is also appreciated for its medicinal properties, as it has been traditionally used for various ailments by indigenous peoples.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and dry slopes in the Southwestern United States and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: White Everlasting, Smallhead Cudweed, Wright’s Cudweed, Smallhead Rabbit Tobacco
Scientific Names: , Pseudognaphalium microcephalum, Gnaphalium albidum, Gnaphalium canescens subsp. microcephalum, Gnaphalium microcephalum, Gnaphalium microcephalum subsp. microcephalum, Gnaphalium microcephalum var. microcephalum, Pseudognaphalium canescens subsp. microcephalum, Pseudognaphalium microcephalum var. microcephalum,
GBIF Accepted Name: