Asteraceae

Various communities and vegetation types on range of soils.

Variable perennial herb 7-60 cm high forming loose clumps of woolly silver-leafed stems. Golden-yellow flowers, mostly spring.

Dec-Jan. Monitor closely as mature seeds dispersed by wind.

From surface-sown seed. Germinates in 2-5 weeks. Capillary watering recommended. Also from cuttings.

May die back in dry conditions, but re-shoots after rain.

Excellent groundcover for bare or disturbed sites. Plant in groups for best effect, at 60- 70 cm spacing. Prune old stems to ground when plants start growing in autumn. Main growth autumn and spring. Palatable to stock. Eliminated by overgrazing.

Good habitat. Flowers are a nectar source for native bees and butterflies. Insect-eating birds attracted.

Ornamental for groundcover, rockeries, slopes, containers, hanging baskets and for cut and dried flowers.

Used by European settlers to kill intestinal worms.