Chrysocephalum apiculatum

Location & distribution maps

Phylogeny & links to associated information:

Wikipedia links:       Angiosperm > Eudicots > Asterids > Asterales > Asteraceae > Chrysocephalum

Other links:    

Plant  information

Common name:               Yellow Buttons  

• Also, Everlasting 

• The name "everlasting" was inspired by its use as a long-lasting cut flower

Conservation status:   unknown

Etymology:   

•  The word chrysocephalum derives from Greek origins. Chryso translates to golden, and cephalus translates to headed, referring to the appearance of the compact flowers

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Flowers:                  

• The flower heads are yellow in color and spherical in shape, around 1 cm in diameter each, and often borne in clusters

• The florets are minute

Fruit:                         

• Like many daisies, it has seeds which are gradually dispersed on the wind. The seed germinates readily, but has a short viable life.

Leaves:         

• The elongated silvery grey leaves clasp tightly to the stems and are covered in fine, silky hairs. 

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Stem & branches: 

Roots:         

Habit:        

• The common everlasting grows to around 40 cm high, with spreading horizontal stems that turn upwards as they get longer

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Habitat:   

• The plant grows in full sun on light, well-drained soil in grassy areas

• It can tolerate moderately salty wind and dry conditions

• Severe pruning will also rejuvenate old plants

• It is an important food plant for the Australian painted lady (Vanessa kershawi), a butterfly

Distribution:                  

•  A perennial herb native to southern Australia

Additional notes:     

• It is increasing in popularity in Australia as a cottage garden plant, but is still not well known

• Taxonomy

  • Chrysocephalum apiculatum was first described as Gnaphalium apiculatum by Jacques Labillardière in 1806,

  • Was transferred to the genus, Chrysocephalum, by Joachim Steetz in 1845

Sources of information:

• (2023)