Leucochrysum graminifolium

Family: Asteraceae
Distribution: Limited distribution, being endemic to sandstone formations on the Newnes Plateau near Lithgow, New South Wales and in the ‘pagoda’ rock formations of the Gardens of Stone National Park.
Common Name: Pagoda Rock Daisy
Conservation Status: Not currently listed in the EPBC Act* but its restricted distribution would result in a probable classification of 2VC under the ROTAP * system
Derivation of Name: Leucochrysum….From Greek, leuco, white and chrysos, gold, referring to the colours of the flower heads in most forms.
graminifolium…From Latin gramineus, grass like, and folium a leaf.

General Description:

Leucochrysum is a small genus of six species all of which were formerly classified in the genus Helipterum. Leucochrysum graminifolium was previously known as Helipterum albicans var. graminifolium.

Leucochrysum graminifolium is an erect perennial or annual plant up to 0.2 metres high. The narrow, grass-like leaves are greyish-green, about 7 cm long and form a grass-like clump of foliage. The flower heads are about 20 mm in diameter and occur terminally on stems extending above the foliage. The flower heads comprise yellow bracts surrounding a central cluster of small, yellow flowers. Flowering occurs mainly during spring and summer.

This species is not often seen in general cultivation but should make for an attractive rockery plant in temperate areas. It would be suited to a sunny or lightly shaded.location in well drained soils..

Propagation from seed can be carried out without any pretreatment. Cuttings of hardened, current season’s growth would be expected to strike without difficulty.