Chaenactis douglasii aka Hoary Pincushion

Chaenactis douglasii is in the daisy family, Asteraceae. People call it morning brides and Douglas' dustymaiden. They also use the name alpine dustymaiden for this species. It grows wild in western Canada and the western United States. Its range reaches the west-central United States as well. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant is a biennial or a short-lived perennial. It lives for two years or a few years. It grows to about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] tall. In the wild, it grows on hillsides and roadsides. It also grows on waste ground. It often grows where people or natural events have disturbed soil. These sites range from dry to somewhat moist. It suits rock gardens and planted beds. Keep its short life span in mind when planning lasting displays.

The plant blooms from July to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen to pollinate the blooms. Choose an open site in full sun. This plant does not grow in shade. Give its roots deep soil that drains well. It does best in grit or gravel with few nutrients. Sandy soil suits it too. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soil. The soil may be dry or moist, but must drain well. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9.

You can grow new plants from seed. Sow seed on the surface in a greenhouse in spring. Move each seedling to its own pot once you can handle it. Plant them in their final garden sites in summer. The source does not flag this plant as weedy. It lists no known food uses or other practical uses. It also lists no known hazards. This does not mean all parts are safe to eat.

Several Indigenous peoples of North America used this plant as medicine. Records list uses for skin problems, stomach troubles, coughs and colds. People crushed fresh plants or leaves to make poultices. They placed these on sores, swelling and painful areas. They also steeped the plant to make washes for skin problems. One recorded use involved taking it to slow children's heart rates. These records show past uses, not proven treatments or safe doses. Plants For A Future says it has little use in modern herbalism.