Chrysocephalum apiculatum, known by the common names common everlasting and yellow buttons, is a perennial herb native to southern Australia. It is a member of the Asteraceae, the daisy family. It grows in sunny locations on light, well-drained soil in grassy areas. It is an important food plant for the Australian painted lady (Vanessa kershawi), a butterfly. The name "everlasting" was inspired by its use as a long-lasting cut flower. It is increasing in popularity in Australia as a cottage garden plant, but is still not well known.
The common everlasting grows to around 40 centimetres high, with spreading horizontal stems that turn upwards as they get longer. The elongated silvery grey leaves clasp tightly to the stems and are covered in fine, silky hairs. The flower heads are yellow in colour and spherical in shape, around 1 centimetre in diameter each, and often borne in clusters. The florets are minute. Like many daisies, it has seeds which are gradually dispersed on the wind. The seed germinates readily, but has a short viable life.
This plant is currently growing in our garden very happily and its bright yellow flowers look cheerful amongst the other plants. It is also growing in the nearby Darebin Parklands, which approximate its natural wild environment.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
I've never heard of this but it's really pretty!
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