Chrysocephalum semipapposum ssp. semipapposum

Clustered Everlasting

Erect multi-stemmed perennial herb, stems and leaves with soft and stiff glandular hairs, rising from underground stems (rhizomes). Sometimes develops secondary stems in second year.

Additional information

SynonymHelichrysum semipapposum
FamilyAsteraceae
StoreyLower storey
Size0.3-1 m x 1-3 m
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesShaggy narrow to oblong, grey-green leaves, often hairless above, grey-cottony below, to 7 cm x 1-4 mm; flat or recurved margins, tips with long points, base heart-shaped. Leaves on axillary shoots 5-15 mm long, in dense clumps, densely cottony below.
Flower colourBright yellow
Flowering timeSeptember to March
FlowersDense clusters to 6 cm diam. of many hemispherical daisy flowerheads at the ends of stems.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingBoth food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies.
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to dry soils in open forests. Full sun, semi-shade.
Garden useAttractive garden plant creating swathes of golden flowers especially in summer. Suitable to underplant trees. Can be cut back to the base after flowering. Will spread in a garden setting.
Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries. This subspecies may be more difficult to find. Subspecies may not be specified.
Conservation statusUncommon, occurring on the western side of the Shire in the Mt Evelyn and Selby areas.
Related speciesChrysocephalum semipapposum ssp. lineare is more common in the Shire. It is distinguished by cottony or short woolly hairs on the stems and leaves.