Brass Buttons, Common brassbuttons
Cotula coronopifolia
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Cotula coronopifolia is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Marshland in Britain.
S. Africa. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A brassy gold dye is obtained from the whole plant.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
A marginal plant for the shallow edges of ponds, bog gardens and waterside plantings, it succeeds in ordinary soil. Plants are short-lived perennials. The whole plant, when handled, releases an aromatic, pungent smell.
Propagating it: Seed - where possible, sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stand the pot in 2cm of water in order to keep the soil moist. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division of rooted pieces in the spring.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Annual/Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet