Acaena buchananii, commonly known as Sheep’s Burr, is an evergreen perennial herb native to alpine grasslands and subalpine scrub in Southern New Zealand. It typically forms a low-growing mat reaching a height of 1 foot (0.3 meters) and spreading up to 0.3 feet (0.09 meters) wide. This plant is characterized by its fine, fern-like foliage and inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in summer, followed by distinctive reddish-brown burrs that persist into winter and can attach to the fur of passing animals.

Sheep’s Burr is valued for its ground-covering ability, textural foliage, and the unique burrs that add visual interest, particularly in rock gardens and alpine plantings. It thrives in well-drained, gritty soils and requires little maintenance once established. Acaena buchananii prefers full sun to part shade and is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, the burrs can be a nuisance if they spread into lawns or natural areas. Gardeners should be cautious about planting it outside its native range due to its potential invasiveness, as it can spread vigorously and outcompete native flora.CC BY-SA 4.0