Identification
This annual, perhaps also biennial plant grows up to 2 feet tall. It has clusters of white bracts (A) at the top of erect, light green stems. The flowers do not open, its yellow disk florets, which turn brown as the flower matures, barely emerging above the enclosing bracts (C,D). It has alternate linear leaves. As its common name suggests, it is a fragrant plant, smelling somewhat like celery.
Two plants were found in mid-September just off the floodplain boardwalk of Fontenelle forest, the year after the flood of 2011. Although considered common in eastern Nebraska, it had not been collected in Sarpy County before.
Alternate common names include Rabbit’s-foot and Sweet Everlasting.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.