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Cymbonotus spp.
Bear's ears
Overview
Cymbonotus is a genus of about three species of low, rosette-forming perennial herbs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), endemic to Australia. The plants grow as flat, ground-hugging rosettes 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) across, with oblong to lyre-shaped leaves that are dark green and roughly hairy above and densely white-woolly beneath, pressed close to the soil. From the centre of the rosette arise solitary yellow flower heads 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) across, each resembling a small dandelion, borne on very short stalks so that they sit almost within the leaf cluster. The heads open in the morning and close by afternoon. After flowering they form rounded clusters of small dry seeds tipped with a tuft of bristles for wind dispersal. Cymbonotus species, known as bears-ears, grow in grasslands, open woodland, and disturbed ground across much of temperate and subtropical Australia, persisting in lawns and pasture where their flat rosettes escape grazing and mowing. The deep taproot lets established plants survive seasonal drought and regrow after the foliage dies back. With its pressed-flat habit the genus adds little height and is encountered more often as a component of native grassland and as a lawn volunteer than as a planted subject.
Native Range
Cymbonotus is endemic to Australia, occurring across the eastern, southern, and southwestern parts of the continent in temperate and subtropical grasslands and open woodland. The genus is found in all mainland states but does not occur naturally outside Australia.Suggested Uses
Cymbonotus is used in native grassland restoration, low-nutrient meadow plantings, and informal lawns in its native Australia, where its flat rosettes tolerate mowing and grazing. The yellow flowers add seasonal colour at ground level and support native insects. The genus suits open, sunny, low-fertility sites rather than ornamental borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread2" - 8"
Bloom Information
Cymbonotus flowers mainly in spring and early summer, generally September to December in its native range, with scattered flowering after rain at other times. The individual heads open in the morning and close by midday. Flowering is followed by wind-dispersed seed through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight