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Leucophyta spp.
cushion bush
Overview
Leucophyta spp. is a genus in the daisy family (Asteraceae) usually treated as a single species, Leucophyta brownii, the cushion bush, native to the southern coasts of Australia. It forms a dense, rounded shrub 0.3-1 m (1-3 ft) tall and wide, built from many slender, intricately branched silvery-white stems coated in matted hairs. The leaves are reduced to tiny scales pressed against the stems, so the silver branching gives the plant its colour rather than the foliage. Small, rounded, pale yellow flower heads appear at the branch tips in summer. The whitish, tangled, almost coral-like form is an adaptation to exposed coastal sites, reflecting sunlight and resisting salt-laden wind. Leucophyta spp. grows on coastal cliffs, dunes, and headlands on sandy and rocky soils, often in the full force of sea spray. It tolerates salt, wind, and drought but needs sharp drainage and full sun, and tends to become open and woody with age. In humid or shaded conditions the silver stems lose their density and the plant is short-lived.
Native Range
Leucophyta brownii is native to the southern coastline of Australia, including coastal areas of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales. It grows on cliffs, dunes, and rocky headlands exposed to sea spray.Suggested Uses
Grown in coastal gardens, containers, and water-wise plantings for the silver-white foliage, and used as contrast among green and flowering plants. The mounded form suits low borders and seaside exposures, with plants spaced 0.4-0.6 m (1.5-2 ft) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in summer, roughly December to February in the southern hemisphere, when small pale yellow rounded heads form at the branch tips. The flowers are small against the silver stems. Heads dry and persist for a time before shedding seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
silvery-white (scale leaves)Growing 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun and require sharp drainage in sandy or rocky soil, and tolerate salt spray and strong coastal wind. They are very drought tolerant once established and decline in rich, moist, or shaded conditions. A light trim keeps the silver mound dense, as plants become open and woody with age. In humid inland climates the plant is often short-lived and grown as a temporary feature or container plant. Frost tolerance is limited to light frosts.Pruning
A light trim in late winter or after flowering keeps the form dense and silver. Cutting into bare old wood is slow to reshoot. Removing spent flower heads tidies the plant but is not essential.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons