Pearly everlasting (anaphalis margaritacea; immortelles in French) is a native Quebec species in the Asteraceae family. It gets its name from the fact that it keeps for a long time in dried form, retaining its fresh, delicate appearance and fragrance. Its fragrance is eternal, rather like that of our mothers. Its presence attracts bees and butterflies, and caterpillars tend to take shelter in its pretty foliage. Natives use the flower as a poultice to dress wounds, and as an infusion in a herbal tea or steam bath to ease cold symptoms and decongest congestion.

Les Mauvaises Herbes, a Quebec-based company, sells immortelle essential oil and even offers a recipe for an eye cream with immortelle and rose that you can try at home.

Everlasting Flowers