Leptorhynchos, Genus, tenuifolius, Species,
- Genus & species
wiry buttons
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Bloom Information
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-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
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
Prune: February–March
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
