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Platysace linearifolia

carrot tops

Apiaceae Southeastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–10

Overview

Platysace linearifolia is a small wiry shrub in the Apiaceae family growing 12-40 inches (30-100 cm) tall with a slender, upright to spreading habit. The narrow linear leaves are 0.4-1.6 inches (1-4 cm) long and about 0.04 inch (1 mm) wide, crowded along the wiry stems. Small white flowers are grouped in compound umbels 0.6-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) across, held on slender stalks above the foliage from spring through summer. The flowers are followed by small dry two-part fruit typical of the carrot family. Growth is slow to moderate, and the plant resprouts from a woody rootstock after fire. The narrow leaves and open form give a sparse appearance year-round. The species grows on shallow sandstone-derived soils and tolerates low fertility and drought, but is short-lived on heavy, poorly drained soils.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Australia, mainly in New South Wales with extensions into Queensland and Victoria. Grows in heathland and dry sclerophyll woodland on shallow, sandy soils derived from sandstone.

Suggested Uses

Planted in native gardens, rockeries, and low-water plantings on sandy soils, spaced 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) apart. The white umbels draw native bees and other insects. The open, wiry habit suits informal plantings rather than clipped borders.

How to Identify

Recognized by very narrow linear leaves about 0.04 inch (1 mm) wide crowded on wiry stems, with flat-topped compound umbels of small white flowers held above the foliage. The umbel arrangement places it in the carrot family, separating it from heath shrubs with similar foliage. The white flower clusters age to a dull cream.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'4"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowers from spring through summer, roughly September to February in its native range. Individual umbels last 2-3 weeks, with the overall display extending over several weeks. Flowering is heaviest in the season following a fire.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

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 Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on shallow, free-draining sandy soil of low fertility. Water sparingly while establishing; mature plants tolerate extended dry periods and decline in soils that stay wet. The woody rootstock resprouts after fire or hard cutting. Few pests affect it in open, airy positions. Heavy clay and rich, moist soils shorten the plant life.

Pruning

Light tip pruning after flowering keeps the wiry stems dense and slows legginess. The rootstock resprouts after cutting close to the ground in late winter. Spent umbels can be removed by hand or left to set seed.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall