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Greggs Mist

Conoclinium greggii

1 gallon

Greggs Mist

Out of stock

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Gregg’s Mist - Conoclinium greggii

Also known as: Gregg’s Mistflower, Palmleaf Thoroughwort

Gregg’s Mist is a spreading perennial native to the Chihuahuan Desert and parts of the Sonoran Desert and northern Mexico. Unlike many of the dry upland desert shrubs commonly used in low desert landscapes, this plant naturally occurs in canyon bottoms, rocky drainages, seasonal washes, and other areas with more reliable moisture. Its soft green foliage and clusters of fuzzy lavender-blue flowers give it a lush, almost tropical appearance that contrasts beautifully with more traditional desert plants.

In the garden, Gregg’s Mist spreads gradually by underground rhizomes, forming attractive colonies over time. It works especially well in pollinator gardens, oasis-style landscapes, rain gardens, courtyard plantings, or alongside pathways where a softer texture is desired. In the Coachella Valley and other hot low desert regions, it benefits from regular irrigation during the warm season and generally looks best when protected from intense reflected heat or harsh western exposure. While not a high-water tropical plant, it does require noticeably more moisture than highly drought-adapted desert shrubs such as brittlebush, creosote, or chuparosa.

One of the most remarkable things about Gregg’s Mist is its ecological relationship with butterflies - especially queens and monarchs. The flowers provide nectar for a wide range of butterflies, native bees, skippers, and other pollinators over a long bloom season that often extends from summer into fall, a time when many desert plants are no longer flowering.

The plant also contains naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds that male queen butterflies actively seek out. Males convert some of these compounds into pheromones used during courtship and pass additional alkaloids to females during mating as a “nuptial gift.” These compounds help protect eggs and larvae by making them less palatable to predators. Monarch butterflies have also been observed utilizing pyrrolizidine alkaloids from mistflowers and related plants, and research suggests these compounds may contribute to reproduction, defense, and overall fitness. Because of this, Gregg’s Mist provides ecological value beyond simply serving as a nectar plant and is considered especially beneficial in monarch and queen butterfly gardens.

Its long flowering season, soft texture, and exceptional pollinator value make Gregg’s Mist a rewarding flowering perennial for desert habitat gardens where moderate regular irrigation is available.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus); Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae); Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis); Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus); numerous native bees and other pollinators.
Bird Resources: Nectar; Shelter; Insect Foraging Habitat
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert; Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Moderate

Exposure:

Filtered Sun

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Flower color:

Blue

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

Cold Hardiness:

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.