Leptinella spp.

brass buttons

Asteraceae

New Zealand and the southern hemisphere

Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Leptinella is a genus of about 30 low, creeping perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native mainly to New Zealand and the southern hemisphere, with a few species reaching the subantarctic islands and South America. The plants form dense, ground-hugging mats only 0.5-2 inches (1-5 cm) tall, spreading by rooting stems to cover wide patches. The small leaves are finely divided and fern-like, green to bronze or near-black in selections such as L. squalida 'Platt's Black'. In late spring and summer the plants produce tiny, button-like flower heads on short stalks; lacking ray petals, they appear as small yellow-green or cream discs barely above the foliage. The genus grows in damp grassland, streamsides, coastal turf, and disturbed ground, and many species tolerate light foot traffic. Plants need full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil, spreading quickly where conditions suit and creeping into lawns and paving. Hot, dry sites cause the mats to thin and brown. The flowers are small and sit just above the ferny mat.

Native Range

Leptinella spp. is native mainly to New Zealand, with species extending to Australia, southern South America, and the subantarctic islands. Plants grow in damp grassland, streamsides, coastal turf, and open disturbed ground.

Suggested Uses

Leptinella spp. is grown as a low groundcover and lawn substitute, between stepping stones and paving, and in containers and rock gardens, tolerating light foot traffic. The dark-leaved selections are used for contrast against gravel and stone.

How to Identify

Look for a very low, creeping mat of finely divided, fern-like leaves, green to bronze or near-black in some selections, spreading by rooting stems. The tiny button-like flower heads sit on short stalks just above the foliage and lack obvious petals. The flat, ferny, traffic-tolerant mat identifies the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1" - 2"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Leptinella spp. flowers in late spring and summer, generally May through July. The small, button-shaped yellow-green to cream flower heads are held just above the mat on short stalks. The bloom is modest, and the plant holds its foliage mat through the rest of the season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow-green to cream

Foliage Description

green to bronze or near-black

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-8 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Leptinella spp. in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil, keeping it evenly damp in the growing season. The mats spread quickly and tolerate light foot traffic, filling gaps between paving and stepping stones. Trim or edge the planting to keep it from creeping into lawns and beds. Hot, dry, or compacted sites cause the foliage to thin and brown. Most species are hardy to about USDA zone 5 and stay evergreen in mild winters, dying back in colder ones. Top-dress thin patches with sieved compost to encourage rooting.

Pruning

Leptinella spp. needs no pruning. Trim the spreading edges to contain the mat, and lift and replant rooted pieces to fill gaps or start new patches. Rake out dead growth in spring where the mat has died back over winter.