Sweet Everlasting

September 12, 2026

Sweet Everlasting (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium). Wow, that’s quite the scientific name. The plant grows to between 1 and 3 feet tall, and is known for its aroma, often said to be like maple syrup. But then it is also described as being like vanilla or butterscotch. And other folks think it has hints of balsam, pepper or an herbal tobacco scent.

This pleasant scent lasts a long time, with the dried flowers holding onto their fragrance through the winter. The aroma is strongest at the beginning of autumn after the flower has gone to seed.

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Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

3 thoughts on “Sweet Everlasting”

    1. Hi Jean! (BTW, a corrected copy of this has just been sent out!) I assume you are speaking of the bright yellow flowers, Goldenrod. It is further up the mountain.

      So very glad you get my posts!
      Brendita

      1. Hi again Jean! Sorry for the confusion! That comment about the correction is for tonight’s post. And I see that you’re speaking of last night’s post. That plant is further up the mountain where I do most of my hiking.
        Brendita

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