Scientific Name: Cotula australis
Common Name: southern buttons
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Asteraceae
Form Description: Spreading annual or perennial herb with stems covered in long soft hairs.
Flowers: White and yellow-green flower heads about 0.5cm in diameter. Stalks longer than leaves.
Fruit: Achene
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread in grassland and on roadsides, also growing in crevices in walls in Hobart.
Site Tolerance
Moist, Rocky, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Clay, Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Useful as a groundcover, especially in the shade where other plants will not grow. Can spread to become a nuisance.
Propagation Calendar
-
Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
When seed is mature achenes loosen in centre of the seed head which develops a fluffy appearance. Collect entire seed heads in paper bags and allow to dry.
Seed Treatment Method
Surface Sow Sow seed finely on the surface of the potting mix and cover with just enough mix to hold the seed on the surface when watered.
Seed Storage Life
Short
Seed Treatment Notes
Seed should be sown fresh. Very quick to germinate and to grow.
Germination Time
2-4 weeks
Cutting & Division Information
May be propagated from cuttings.