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Micropus spp.
cottonseed
Mediterranean Europe, North Africa, and western Asia; one species in western North America
SunFull Sun
Overview
Micropus spp. is a small genus of low-growing annual herbs in the daisy family (Asteraceae), found in dry, open ground around the Mediterranean and across to central Asia, with a few species in western North America. Plants are slight and white-woolly throughout, with erect to spreading stems 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) tall and small, narrow, alternate leaves coated in dense felted hairs. The flower heads are tiny and inconspicuous, gathered in woolly clusters along the stems and in the leaf axils; each head is wrapped in bracts that thicken and harden around the developing seed. Without showy ray florets, the woolly white aspect of the whole plant is its main feature. Flowering occurs in spring and early summer as the plants race to set seed before the dry season. Seeds are spread within the persistent woolly bracts. Across the genus, plants grow on poor, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun and complete their life cycle in a single season. Micropus spp. is a colonizer of disturbed and grazed ground rather than a garden plant, and several species are easily passed over among taller vegetation.
Native Range
Micropus spp. is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia, extending into central Asia, with the species M. californicus native to grassland and open slopes of western North America.Suggested Uses
Micropus spp. is grown little if at all in gardens and is encountered mainly as a wild annual of dry grassland and disturbed ground. Where used, it suits dry, gravelly wildflower plantings and rockwork on poor soils. Its woolly seedheads add interest in naturalistic dry-climate schemes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'
Width/Spread2" - 8"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Whitish, inconspicuousFoliage Description
Grey-green, white-woollyGrowing 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
As a dry-ground annual, Micropus spp. grows in full sun on poor, sandy or gravelly, free-draining soils and tolerates drought once seedlings establish. Rich or wet soils do not suit the genus, which is adapted to lean, open sites. Plants germinate with autumn or winter rains in Mediterranean climates and flower before summer heat. No feeding is needed, and excess moisture shortens the plant's life. Seed sets freely and renews the population each year. The genus has little tolerance for shade or crowding by taller plants.Pruning
No pruning is required for these small annuals. Plants are pulled once they have set seed if self-sowing is to be limited. Spent plants are cleared at the end of the season.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
autumn or early spring in mild climates
Plant Spacing
4 inches