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(Leptinella squalida)
Brass Buttons (Leptinella squalida)
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Stephen James McWilliam
Public Domain
Image By:
Stephen James McWilliam
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Stephen James McWilliam | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Stephen James McWilliam | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-27T09:19:52-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Leptinella squalida, commonly known as Brass Buttons, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous perennial herb that is native to a variety of habitats in New Zealand, including grasslands, coastal areas, and alpine regions. It typically forms a low mat reaching a height of about 0.3 feet (0.09 meters) and can spread 0.3-1 feet (0.09-0.3 meters) wide. The plant features finely divided, fern-like foliage that adds a unique texture to garden settings. Brass Buttons produce small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers during the summer months, which are not particularly showy but add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance.
Brass Buttons is valued for its dense, mat-forming habit, which makes it an excellent ground cover, particularly in rock gardens, between stepping stones, or in small-scale landscapes. It can also be used to soften the edges of borders or as a lawn substitute in low-traffic areas. This plant is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional watering once established, and it thrives in well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, although it does best in soils with medium to fast drainage. While generally disease-free, it can sometimes suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. Brass Buttons can also be somewhat invasive in favorable conditions, so gardeners should consider this when planting it.CC BY-SA 4.0
Brass Buttons is valued for its dense, mat-forming habit, which makes it an excellent ground cover, particularly in rock gardens, between stepping stones, or in small-scale landscapes. It can also be used to soften the edges of borders or as a lawn substitute in low-traffic areas. This plant is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional watering once established, and it thrives in well-drained soils. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, although it does best in soils with medium to fast drainage. While generally disease-free, it can sometimes suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. Brass Buttons can also be somewhat invasive in favorable conditions, so gardeners should consider this when planting it.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
- Width: 0.3-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, coastal areas, and alpine regions in New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: New Zealand Brass-Buttons, Leptinella, Echtes Fiederpolster, Krypkotula
Scientific Names: , Leptinella squalida,
GBIF Accepted Name: Leptinella squalida Hook.fil.