Alpine everlasting Ozothamnus ledifolius
ABOUT
Ozothamnus ledifolius, more commonly known as Alpine Rice Flower, presents as a dense, evergreen shrub with a distinct bushy habit. Its foliage is comprised of small, narrow, and pointed leaves that often display a green to gray-green color, contributing to its fine-textured appearance. The leaves are tightly compacted along the stems, providing the shrub with a full look. When in bloom, Alpine Rice Flower is adorned with clusters of tiny, button-like flowers that create a cushioned effect. These blossoms are typically white to cream in color and can add a frothy and delicate aesthetic to the plant's overall appearance. The flowers emerge in abundance and can cover much of the plant's surface, offering a stark and pleasing contrast against the foliage. The overall impression of the Alpine Rice Flower is one of a hearty, yet delicate shrub with a capacity for providing year-round interest due to its persistent leaves and seasonal flowering display that attracts various pollinators. With its bushy growth and abundant blooms, it can be a charming addition to garden settings that seek to blend textural foliage with eye-catching floral elements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Alpine Everlasting, Alpine Daisy Bush
Common names
Helichrysum ledifolium, Helichrysum selago, Ozothamnus selaginoides, Ozothamnus ledifolius var. ledifolius.
ToxicityTo humans
Ozothamnus ledifolius, commonly referred to as Alpine everlasting, is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information available regarding the effects of ingestion or contact with this specific species. However, as with many plants, it is always prudent to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of plants not specifically identified as edible, as they might contain compounds that could cause adverse reactions ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe symptoms depending on the quantity consumed and individual sensitivity. It's essential to consult medical professionals or a poison control center if ingestion occurs and symptoms appear.
To pets
Alpine everlasting is not specifically documented for its toxicity to pets. While there is a lack of detailed information about the effects of Ozothamnus ledifolius on animals, generally, pets should be prevented from eating plants not known to be safe. Many plants can cause gastrointestinal upsets or more severe health issues in pets when ingested, including vomiting, diarrhea, or in worse cases, organ damage or neurological effects. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of this plant and is showing symptoms of poisoning, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion control: Ozothamnus ledifolius, commonly known as Alpine everlasting, can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in areas prone to degradation due to its root structure stabilizing the soil.
- Habitat for wildlife: Alpine everlasting can provide shelter and nesting sites for various insects and small animals.
- Ornamental use: With its attractive foliage and flowers, Alpine everlasting is often used in gardens and landscapes for ornamental purposes.
- Drought tolerance: As a plant adapted to alpine conditions, it is generally drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Landscape restoration: Alpine everlasting can be used in restoration projects to help reestablish native vegetation.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ozothamnus ledifolius, commonly known as Alpine everlasting, can be used as a natural dye source; the plant lends subtle hues to fabrics and yarns when used in traditional dyeing practices.
- The fibrous stems of the Alpine everlasting are sometimes utilized in the craft of basket weaving, offering a natural material for artisans.
- The Alpine everlasting's unique texture and form make it a popular choice for dried floral arrangements, where its longevity and color retention are appreciated.
- Essential oils can be extracted from the Alpine everlasting and used in scented candles and diffusers for their fragrance, which is often described as light and mellow.
- The plant's resilient nature makes it well-suited for use in erosion control in landscaping and habitat restoration projects.
- Alpine everlasting is used for ornamental purposes in gardens, particularly rock gardens, due to its ability to thrive in poor soil and rugged conditions.
- Botanical illustrators and photographers may utilize the distinct look of Alpine everlasting for artistic projects, capturing its beauty in various art forms.
- Due to its evergreen nature, the Alpine everlasting can be used to create a year-round green backdrop in themed garden displays or theatrical sets.
- The plant is incorporated into potpourri mixes for its ability to retain shape and contribute to a variety of textures within the mix.
- Educational uses of Alpine everlasting include plant identification and botany training, as its characteristics are of interest for study and observation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ozothamnus ledifolius, commonly known as Alpine everlasting, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Alpine everlasting is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Ozothamnus ledifolius, commonly known as Alpine everlasting, thrives in tough mountainous environments, symbolizing the ability to persist through challenging conditions.
- Resilience: The Alpine everlasting's capacity to withstand harsh climates represents resilience and the power to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Endurance: This plant's ability to live in alpine habitats signifies endurance and long-lasting strength.
- Beauty in Simplicity: The understated charm of its small, white flowers conveys the beauty found in simplicity and modesty.
- Everlasting Life: As its common name suggests, the Alpine everlasting symbolizes immortality and the concept of life continuing indefinitely.
WaterAlpine everlasting should be watered moderately during its growing season, ensuring the soil is kept moist but never waterlogged. Typically, watering once every week with approximately 1-2 gallons depending on the size and the weather conditions can suffice. During the winter months, reduce the watering to once every two to three weeks, allowing the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage in the pot or ground where the plant is situated.
LightAlpine everlasting thrives best in full sun to partial shade, so placing the plant in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. If grown indoors, a south-facing window might be a perfect spot, while ensuring some light shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent scorching the leaves.
TemperatureAlpine everlasting is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F but does best in a temperature range of 60°F to 80°F. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme cold or drafts, which can be detrimental to its health.
PruningAlpine everlasting should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage denser growth. The best time to prune is in early spring, before new growth begins. It's also beneficial to deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming. Pruning can be done annually or biannually depending on the plant's growth rate and desired shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilAlpine Rice Flower prefers a well-draining soil mix comprising loam, sand, and peat with pH range from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). A mixture of 2 parts garden soil, 1 part sand, and 1 part peat moss works well for proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingAlpine Rice Flower should be repotted every 2-3 years to replenish soil nutrients and maintain health. It is best to repot in spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingAlpine Rice Flower tolerates a range of humidity levels but thrives in moderate humidity. Avoid extremely high humidity to prevent mold and fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Alpine Rice Flower, ensure bright, indirect light and cool conditions.
Outdoor
Place Alpine Rice Flower in a sunny spot with some afternoon shade.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleOzothamnus ledifolius, commonly known as Alpine Everlasting, begins its life cycle from seeds that germinate in well-drained soils, often in alpine or rocky habitats. The seedlings develop into a small, woody shrub with needle-like leaves, where they undergo a vegetative stage, focusing on root and foliage growth. As the plant matures, it enters the reproductive stage, producing clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers that attract pollinators and lead to seed production. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, dry, one-seeded fruit called achenes, which spread to new locations for germination. The plant then enters a period of senescence, where older stems and leaves may die off, but the shrub can live for many years, continuing to flower annually. Throughout its life cycle, Alpine Everlasting is adapted to survive cold temperatures and drought conditions, typical of its high-altitude habitats.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Ozothamnus ledifolius, commonly known as Alpine everlasting, is best propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time for this process is during the late summer or early fall when the plant has finished flowering and the new growth has begun to mature. To propagate Alpine everlasting, a gardener should select healthy, semi-hardwood stems and cut them to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). Each cutting should have several sets of leaves, and the lower sets should be removed. The cut end is then dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Finally, the cuttings are planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until roots establish. This form of propagation is popular for its efficiency and effectiveness in producing new, sturdy plants that are true to the parent's characteristics.
