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Key characteristics

Family: Asteraceae
Height: 1 to 2 inches
Width: 12 to 18 inches, mat-forming groundcover
Flower color: Small, yellow-green, insignificant
Foliage color: Dark green to black, fern-like
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade (darker foliage color in full sun)
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; may require occasional trimming
Growing zone: USDA Zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Doesn’t generally attract wildlife

Groundcovers

Leptinella squalida ‘Platt's Black’

Platt’s Black Brass Buttons

Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black' is an attractive ground cover known for its unique dark foliage, which creates a dramatic contrast in the garden. The fern-like leaves range from deep purplish-black to dark green, providing year-round interest and adding a rich, moody tone to the landscape. In late spring to early summer, small, button-like yellow-green flowers appear, though they are often overshadowed by the bold foliage, which is the plant's main attraction.

Light

Full sun to partial shade (darker foliage color in full sun)

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Rock Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Pathways & Walkways
Borders

Companion plants

Aubrietas · Heathers · Lewisia · Coral bells · Candytuft · Fountain grasses

Design tip

Use this dark groundcover to create bold ribbons of contrasting foliage along pathways, rock gardens, or garden edges. Pair it with silver leaves, bright flowers, and varied textures to emphasize its dramatic color while creating rhythm and visual balance throughout the planting.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)