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Leptorhynchos tenuifolius

wiry buttons

Asteraceae Southeastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Leptorhynchos tenuifolius is an evergreen perennial herb forming a low, wiry clump 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall and 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) wide. The slender, much-branched stems carry narrow, almost thread-like leaves 0.4-1.2 inches (10-30 mm) long, grey-green and sparse. Single yellow button-like flowerheads about 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) across are held at the tips of the wiry stems through spring and summer. The flowerheads dry to papery seed clusters that release small wind-borne seeds. The plant grows from a woody rootstock and can self-seed in open ground. Growth is moderate, and clumps reach full size within 1-2 years. Foliage is sparse, so the overall appearance is open and airy rather than dense. The plant tolerates drought and poor soils once established but is short-lived, often persisting only 3-4 years before relying on self-sown seedlings to replace it.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Australia, in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Grows in grassland, open woodland, and rocky sites on well-drained soils, often in seasonally dry positions.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rockeries, native grassland plantings, and low-water gardens, spaced 8-16 inches (20-40 cm) apart. The wiry, open form suits meadow and cottage-style plantings. The short lifespan means clumps are renewed from seed or division every few years.

How to Identify

Identified by a low, wiry clump of slender branched stems carrying narrow, thread-like grey-green leaves and single yellow button-shaped flowerheads 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) across at the stem tips. The papery, petal-less flowerheads and wiry habit separate it from larger-flowered daisies. Dried flowerheads persist as small seed clusters.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'4"

Width/Spread8" - 1'4"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowers through spring and summer (September to February in the Southern Hemisphere), with the heaviest display in spring. Individual flowerheads last 1-2 weeks; the overall bloom period extends 8-12 weeks. Flowering is reduced in shade and in dry seasons.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 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 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years to flowering size

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun in well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils of low fertility. Plants need occasional water until established, after which they tolerate extended drought. Wet, poorly drained soils cause the rootstock to rot. The plant self-seeds in open ground, producing seedlings that replace short-lived parent clumps. Fertiliser needs are low. Trimming after flowering keeps the clump tidy and can prompt a second flush.

Pruning

Light trimming after the main flush removes spent flowerheads and keeps the clump compact. Stems cut back to the woody base in late summer produce fresh growth. Spent flowerheads left in place self-seed freely.

Pruning Schedule

summer