Rabbit-Tobacco

(Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

Rabbit-Tobacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, commonly known as Rabbit-Tobacco, is an annual or biennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas in the Central and Eastern United States and Canada. It can grow up to one meter tall and is known for its wooly-haired rosettes in the first year and a tall stem with alternate leaves in the second year. The yellow, peg-shaped flowerheads are borne in clusters and emit a maple-syrup scent when crushed. Flowering typically occurs in late summer to fall, and the flowers are modest in appearance.

Rabbit-Tobacco is valued for its aromatic properties and is sometimes used in traditional medicine. It is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalized areas. In gardens, it can be used as a border plant or in wildflower meadows where its low water needs and adaptability to poor soils are advantageous. It requires full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. While not commonly available in nurseries, it can be grown from seed. Potential problems include rust and mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas

Other Names

Common Names: Old Field Balsam, Rabbit Tobacco, Sweet Everlasting, Fragrant Cudweed, Everlasting, Catfoot, Fragrant Everlasting, Eastern Rabbit-Tobacco, Blunt-Leaved Rabbit-Tobacco, Catfoot Cudweed

Scientific Names: , Gnaphalium obtusifolium, Gnaphalium polycephalum, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium subsp. obtusifolium, Gnaphalium obtusifolium var. praecox, Gnaphalium obtusifolium var. obtusifolium, Gnaphalium conoideum, Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium subsp. praecox, Gnaphalium polycephalum var. polycephalum

GBIF Accepted Name: Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium (L.) Hilliard & B.L.Burtt