dusty miller

growing in my yard.
Centaurea cineraria, the Velvet Centaurea, is – like some other plants – also known as "dusty miller". It is a small plant in the family Asteraceae and originates from the Island of Capraia in Italy, where it is called fiordaliso scogliere[2].

The mature plants will grow from 15 cm to 60 cm (6inches to 24 inches). They prefer full sun, but will tolerate light shade, and also prefers average to rich well-drained soil.

C. cineraria will produce small white or yellow flowers in summer, but these are usually trimmed because the plant is normally grown as foliage.

Depending on climate, it can be grown as either an annual or as a perennial.

Common varieties include: "Silver Dust", "Silver Lace" and "Cirrus". The image above the scientific classification is a plant of the "Silver Lace" variety.