brass buttons, cotula

Also known as Cotula or Brass Buttons, Leptinella squalida is a unique, perennial groundcover with soft, delicate looking, fern-like foliage that develops a mossy green to deep bronze coloration and forms a dense, spreading, mat-like habit. Tiny yellow, button-like flowers form in summer, but are fairly insignificant compared to its foliage color and texture. In containers, it serves well as a lovely trailing “spiller”, can be planted between stepping stones, or used as a lawn substitute. Combines best with lime or chartreuse colored evergreens, lavender, Gaillardia, and Dianthus.

Plant in well-drained, acidic, moist to average soil amended with organic matter. Water well after planting; maintain 1 inch of water, once a week the first year. Use slow-release fertilizer in spring or at planting, and again in summer. Mulch 1-2 inches to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Divide in spring or fall when necessary.