Grass Daisy Celmisia gracilenta
ABOUT
Celmisia gracilenta, commonly known as the "silver snow daisy," is a perennial herb characterized by its striking silver-green foliage that forms a dense rosette. The leaves are long and narrow with a silvery sheen, typically covered in fine, silky hairs that give them a woolly texture and glistening appearance. The edges of the leaves can be gently toothed or smooth. Over time, it produces multiple rosettes that create an attractive mat-like ground cover. The flowering stems rise from the center of the leaf rosettes, topped with daisy-like flowers. The blooms are composed of a yellow central disc surrounded by white ray florets, which are the larger "petals" that radiate from the center. These flowers stand out against the foliage and can give a delightful display when the plant is in bloom. The contrast between the silver leaves and the white and yellow flowers creates an appealing visual effect in garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Graceful Mountain Daisy, Slender Mountain Daisy
Common names
Celmisia gracilenta.
ToxicityTo humans
Celmisia gracilenta, commonly known as the New Zealand Daisy, is not widely documented as a toxic plant to humans. No specific symptoms of poisoning are commonly associated with this species; however, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may cause reactions in some people. Generally, it is advised to avoid ingesting plants that are not known to be edible due to potential risks of toxicity or adverse reactions.
To pets
For Celmisia gracilenta, also known as the New Zealand Daisy, there is no widely available information on its toxicity to pets such as dogs and cats. This lack of data suggests that it may not be notoriously toxic, but the absence of evidence is not evidence of safety. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, it is still advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this or any unknown plants, as individual animals could have unique sensitivities or could experience gastrointestinal distress from eating non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Celmisia gracilenta, commonly known as narrow-leaved mountain daisy, adds beauty to gardens and landscapes with its distinctive foliage and daisy-like flowers.
- Biodiversity Support: This plant provides habitat and food for a variety of insects, which in turn supports a diverse ecosystem.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of narrow-leaved mountain daisy can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Drought Tolerance: Being a native of mountainous environments, Celmisia gracilenta is adapted to withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of Celmisia gracilenta, known as Mountain Daisy, can be used as a natural dye for textiles, imparting subtle green hues to the fabric.
- In garden landscapes, Mountain Daisy can be used as a ground cover to create a dense mat that suppresses weeds and protects soil from erosion.
- Given its sturdy nature, the Mountain Daisy can be employed in rock gardens to add texture and variety, complementing the stones with its foliage.
- The flowers can be utilized in dried floral arrangements where they retain their shape and color for extended periods.
- Mountain Daisy plants can be a source of nectar for local bees and other pollinators, helping to support biodiversity.
- Illustrators and botanical artists may use Mountain Daisy as a subject for their artwork, capturing its unique form and structure.
- Petals of the Mountain Daisy can be incorporated into decorative crafts such as making bookmarks or pressed flower cards.
- This plant can serve as an educational tool when teaching about alpine flora and ecosystems in its native habitat.
- Mountain Daisy can be a component in natural potpourri mixtures, contributing a fresh, earthy scent when dried.
- Photographers often seek out Mountain Daisy in bloom for nature photography, capturing the beauty of alpine flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Celmisia gracilenta is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Celmisia gracilenta is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Celmisia gracilenta, typically known as "Cotton daisy," showcases considerable durability by thriving in alpine and subalpine areas, symbolizing the ability to persevere through tough conditions.
- Purity: The cottony white foliage and flowers of the Cotton daisy can symbolize purity and innocence, similar to the way white daisies are often regarded in floral symbolism.
- Adaptability: Its capacity to adapt to high altitudes and rocky soils can represent adaptability and versatility in various life circumstances.
- Simplicity: The unassuming beauty of this plant, with its modest blooms, can represent a love for simplicity and understated elegance.
WaterThe New Zealand daisy bush, Celmisia gracilenta, thrives when it is watered moderately, typically needing a thorough watering once a week, but this may vary depending on climate and soil conditions. It is essential to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Water the plant with approximately 1 gallon of water ensuring it reaches the roots without leaving the soil waterlogged. During hot and dry spells, increase watering slightly to maintain soil moisture but take care not to overwater. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant enters a dormant period and doesn't require as much moisture.
LightThe New Zealand daisy bush prefers full sun to partial shade and flourishes in a spot that receives several hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably morning light with some afternoon shade. Protect the plant from the intense midday sun, especially in hotter regions, to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe New Zealand daisy bush can survive within a temperature range of 25°F to 75°F. However, the ideal temperature for this plant is between 50°F and 68°F. It can tolerate light frosts but should be protected from severe cold and prolonged freezes.
PruningPruning the New Zealand daisy bush primarily involves deadheading spent flowers and removing any dead or damaged leaves to encourage fuller growth and blooming. The best time to prune is right after the bloom cycle has completed, typically in late summer. Prune lightly, shaping the plant as necessary, and focus on maintaining its natural mound shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Mountain Daisy (Celmisia gracilenta) should be well-draining with a mix of loam, peat, and sand. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingMountain Daisy (Celmisia gracilenta) typically does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingMountain Daisy (Celmisia gracilenta) prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of lower humidity conditions typically found in alpine environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mountain Daisy in bright, indirect light with cool temps.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for Mountain Daisy.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleSlim-leaved Daisy begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in well-drained, rocky alpine soils when conditions are moist. The seedling emerges with rudimentary leaves and gradually develops a rosette form characteristic of many alpine plants. As it matures, the Slim-leaved Daisy produces elongated, narrow leaves and a robust root system to anchor itself and absorb nutrients from the sparse soil. After establishing itself, which may take several years due to the harsh growing conditions, it flowers, revealing white to creamy blossom heads with yellow centers on a solitary stem during the summer months. Following pollination, possibly by insects or wind, it sets seeds that are dispersed by wind or gravity. The plant may die after seed production if it is a monocarpic specimen (flowers once then dies), or it may continue to live and flower in subsequent seasons if it is a polycarpic perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The Celmisia gracilenta, typically known as the Mountain Daisy, can be propagated most successfully through the division of its clumps in the spring. This involves gently splitting the plant's base into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system intact. These divisions should then be planted immediately into well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. It's crucial to keep the newly planted divisions well-watered until they establish, reducing the amount of water as the plants begin to show new growth to prevent root rot. This method is straightforward, maintains the characteristics of the parent plant, and allows for rapid multiplication of the Mountain Daisy.
