Leptinella

Platt's Black Brass Buttons
Leptinella squalida

Purchased from garden Fever May 10, 2012

planted in "crooked pots" by the front door

Perennial

Full sun - part shade

1-2" high x 10-12" wide

low carpeting

easily divided by tearing clumps in spring/early fall

evergreen

low water requirements

zones 4-10

yellow blooms June-July (I haven't seen any blooms yet)

prefers acidic soils

native to New Zealand

looks like a fern, but isn't. It's closest relative is the sunflower

Local variety - became popular because it was found in Jane Platt's garden

dislikes compacted soil and needs frequent fertilization due to it's shallow roots