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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 1 to 2 inches
Width: 12 to 18 inches, spreads as a groundcover
Flower color: Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers
Foliage color: Dark green to bronze, finely divided fern-like leaves
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low
Growing zone: USDA Zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Not particularly known for attracting wildlife, though may provide habitat for small insects

Groundcovers

Leptinella gruveri

Miniature Brass Buttons

Leptinella gruveri is a unique and intriguing ground cover plant known for its fern-like, finely divided foliage. The leaves are a deep green with a slightly glossy texture, often resembling miniature ferns or moss. While its primary appeal lies in the ornamental foliage, Leptinella gruveri produces small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in late spring to early summer, though these blooms are often overshadowed by the plant's striking foliage.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Rock Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Pathways & Walkways
Borders

Companion plants

Heather · Snow-in-summer · Dianthus · Lavenders · Armeria · Tufted hair grasses

Design tip

Let this fine-textured groundcover weave between pavers or spill gently along the edges of pathways and rock gardens. Surround it with upright flowers and contrasting foliage to soften hardscape lines while creating rhythm, texture, and a cohesive planting design.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)