Lavender cotton, Grey santolina
Santolina chamaecyparissus
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A shrub. The leaves are alternate and very narrow. They occur closely together along the stem. They are divided and have grey hairs. The flower heads are 1-2 cm across.
Where it is found
A Mediterranean plant. It can grow in poor soils and tolerate drought. They can grow in windy conditions and tolerate some salt spray. In Hobart Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andorra, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, India, Mediterranean, North America, Pacific, Slovenia, Spain, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The leaves are used to flavour soups, sauces, meats and grain dishes. The flower heads are used for tea.
It is a cultivated food plant.
Edible parts
Leaves, flowers - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Camamilla, Camamirla, Espernallac, Manzanilla salvaje, Navadni nemški rožmarin