Contents
Description
Leptinella Albida, also known as Brass Buttons, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Native to New Zealand, this small plant is an excellent ground cover and is often used as a lawn substitute. It has small, round, gray-green leaves that form a tight mat, and in the summer, small, yellow-green button-like flowers appear.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Leptinella |
Appearance
Leptinella Albida has small, round, gray-green leaves that form a dense mat, making it an excellent ground cover. The leaves are about 1/4 inch in diameter and are covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. From late spring to early summer, small, yellow-green button-like flowers appear above the foliage. The flowers are about 1/4 inch in diameter and are held on thin stems that rise above the leaves.
Care Guide
Leptinella Albida is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: This plant prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Leptinella Albida does not require fertilization, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if you want to encourage growth.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions.
- Sunlight: Leptinella Albida prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the foliage may become less dense.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Leptinella Albida is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in wet soil. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch for:
- Root Rot: This is a common problem for plants grown in wet or poorly-drained soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves and damage the foliage. Use slug and snail bait to control them.
Habitat
Leptinella Albida is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in open, rocky areas, and alpine meadows. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Leptinella Albida a good lawn substitute?
A: Yes, Leptinella Albida is an excellent ground cover and is often used as a lawn substitute.
Q: Does Leptinella Albida require a lot of water?
A: No, this plant prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Leptinella Albida?
A: Leptinella Albida is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in wet soil. Slugs and snails can also be a problem.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Leptinella Albida?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Related Plants
- Leptinella Squalida
- Leptinella Platts Black
- Leptinella Nana
References
- “Leptinella Albida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j200
- “Brass Buttons.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-brass-buttons-3269318
- “Leptinella Albida (Brass Buttons).” Gardenia.net. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/leptinella-albida-brass-buttons
