brass buttons

Leptinella squalida (Asteraceae) is a mat-forming perennial groundcover native to New Zealand. It grows to only about 2 inches tall and spreads indefinitely via rhizomes, forming a dense, low carpet of finely divided, fern-like foliage. Small yellow button-like flowers appear in June and July but are relatively inconspicuous against the foliage.

Brass buttons thrives in sun to part shade with moderate water on well-drained soil. It is low maintenance and tolerates light foot traffic, making it useful as a lawn substitute, between stepping stones, or in rock gardens. The cultivar 'Platt' features near-black foliage that provides strong contrast in the landscape. The species is generally hardy in Zones 4 to 10.