pearly and everlasting in the west

anaphalis margaritacea, native to BC, very common, grow in many kinds of soil, even very poor one on disturbed sites. they are great in dried flower arrangements and truly last for a very long time. the pearly white, papery bracts look like petals. it gives yellow/gold to brown and green dyes, depending on which parts of the plants are used. we didn't use it for anything medicinal, but there were stories from before my time of people stuffing pillows with the flowers; they smell good (not sweet and floral, more hay-like and earthy).