How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Brass Buttons

Brass buttons plants are an excellent ground cover option for pathways, lawns, and corridors. It has a feathery appearance and forms a dense mat that is easy to maintain. Learn to care for Leptinella in this comprehensive guide by Kevin Espiritu.

A single bright yellow flower head of Cotula coronopifolia perched on a thin green stem surrounded by delicate foliage.

Contents

The fern-like New Zealand brass buttons plant is a great alternative to your lawn, but you might be concerned about how to grow it successfully.

Brass buttons are feathery-looking black and green plants that are easy to plant and easy to maintain. Botanically, they are Leptinella species, native to New Zealand, parts of Australia, South America and the Falkland Islands.

They can be found in open, damp places, forming a dense mat of foliage, making them perfect as a ground cover. The name of this creeping herbaceous perennial comes from its cluster of flowers that give it its button-like appearance.

Brass button plants in your lawn can add aesthetic appeal to your landscape. The best part? They require little maintenance and grow fast!

Brass Buttons Plant Overview

Vibrant yellow flower heads of Cotula coronopifolia scattered across dark green stems with small leaves.
Plant Type Ground cover
Family Asteraceae
Genus Leptinella
Species Leptinella
Native Area New Zealand, Falkland Islands, Australia
Exposure Full sun to partial shade
Height 2-6”
Watering Requirements Regular
Pests & Diseases None
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Well-draining
Hardiness Zone 4-10

What is Brass Button Plants?

A thick cluster of Cotula coronopifolia plants with numerous bright yellow blooms nestled in lush green foliage.
It is an excellent lawn alternative, with a short stature and the ability to tolerate foot-traffic.

Leptinella species, commonly known as the brass buttons plant is a plant in the family Asteraceae. It is an excellent lawn alternative, with a short stature and the ability to tolerate foot-traffic.

Native Area

Cotula coronopifolia growing on a small grassy mound surrounded by calm water, with yellow blooms dotting the greenery.
Leptinella species are well-adapted to diverse conditions, from sea level to mountainous altitudes.

It’s native to New Zealand and parts of Australia where it grows in moist, shady areas. Leptinella species are well-adapted to diverse conditions, from sea level to mountainous altitudes, where they often form dense ground cover in nutrient-poor soils. Their resilience and adaptability make them suitable for various ecological niches, especially in climates that mirror their native regions. In New Zealand, brass buttons love semi-riparian or alpine settings.

Characteristics

Cotula coronopifolia flower heads popping up amid tall, wild green foliage in a natural landscape.
Brass buttons has small yellow or greenish flowers that bloom from early summer through mid summer.

Most cultivars of this plant have small, fern-like leaves and grow no more than a couple of inches tall. They’re often planted in between pavers and stone walkways, and are used as ground cover in garden areas all over the world.

Brass buttons has small yellow or greenish flowers that bloom from early summer through mid summer. In extreme heat or cold, the plant may die due to their shallow root system.

Varieties

Spreading carpet of Cotula coronopifolia plants with small yellow flower heads scattered across the leafy ground.
Leptinella squalida is a variety of brass button with a greenish bronze look.

There are a few different varieties of Leptinella to consider when planning out your ground cover landscape.

  • Leptinella gruveri
    If you’re looking for a filler to cover up gaps between flagstones in moist and shady areas, this is one of the best perennials to consider. It forms evergreen foliage that quickly fills gaps and helps keep the weeds at bay.

    You can use it as a lawn substitute for smaller areas. Its green flowers that bloom during early and mid-summer are gorgeous but also blend in to the landscape. Be it a container, rock garden or small lawn, New Zealand brass buttons, Leptinella gruveri can make any place it’s planted in look great.
  • Leptinella squalida
    Forming a mass of tiny fern-like leaves, pressed tightly against each other, Leptinella squalida is a variety of brass button with a greenish bronze look. Leptinella squalida can grow up to two inches tall and has evergreen foliage.

    You can use this Leptinella to form a turf-like carpet. It can spread up to eight inches and be grown in most soil types. Leptinella squalida produces yellow and green flowers in June and July. It’s also quite easy to find in nurseries.
  • Leptinella squalida ‘Platt’s Black’
    This variety of Leptinella is a perfect option for planting along the edges of the pathways or between flagstones. They’ve got feathery, bronze or black foliage.

    This cultivar of New Zealand brass buttons produces miniature green flowers during the summer season. They grow perfectly in a soil that doesn’t dry out completely and when watered well, can spread out and form a dense mat.
  • Leptinella minor
    This variety has tiny, feather-like, evergreen foliage with a deep green and bronze tinge. Leptinella minor is a kind of brass button that’s easy to grow in all sorts of soil. You have to water it regularly to prevent the soil from drying out.

    You can easily propagate it by dividing the clump and slicing them into small pieces in spring or early fall. It works very well as a ground cover for alpine trough gardens or forming a moss-like carpet in containers.

Planting

Bright yellow Cotula coronopifolia flower heads rising above their fine green foliage, filling the scene.
Begin by selecting a site with well-draining soil, ideally with some organic matter, to encourage healthy growth.

Planting Leptinella species is relatively straightforward, as these hardy ground covers adapt well to various conditions. Begin by selecting a site with well-draining soil, ideally with some organic matter, to encourage healthy growth. Leptinella thrives in full sun to partial shade, though excessive shade may hinder its spread.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Plant individual pieces or small plugs about nine to twelve inches apart, as the plant will naturally spread to fill gaps over time. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during establishment. Mulching lightly around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

How to Grow

A single Cotula coronopifolia flower standing out in a patch of delicate green leaves.
To avoid overgrowth, you need only water them and mow them regularly.

Brass buttons plants are extremely low-maintenance. They are the perfect filler for pathways and narrow corridors. To avoid overgrowth, you need only water them and mow them regularly. Here’s a quick rundown on how to care for this evergreen herbaceous ground cover.

Light

Cotula coronopifolia plants with yellow flowers and unopened buds mixed into a bed of thick green foliage.
A preferable location would be somewhere with at least six hours of sunlight per day.

They need a decent amount of sunlight. If you live in cooler climates, a preferable location would be somewhere with at least six hours of sunlight per day. However, in hotter climates, brass buttons tend to grow better in partial shade.

Water

A steady stream of water flows from a blue watering can, soaking dark, freshly tilled soil, in preparation for planting.
Keep the soil moist, and increase watering in hot summers that may include drought.

You’ll have to water your brass buttons frequently. They’re intolerant to drought and depend on regular watering for survival. They’re shallow-rooted plants, so any period of dry soil is enough to kill them. Keep the soil moist, and increase watering in hot summers that may include drought.

Soil

A man's hands hold a handful of fresh, dark brown soil above a garden bed.
They prefer slightly acidic soil that’s rich in organic matter.

These plants are tolerant almost any kind of soil. However, the most critical requirement for its growth is to have well-draining soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil that’s rich in organic matter, but remain adaptable to other soil types including alkaline and neutral pH soil.

It may not grow as well in compacted, heavy clay soil. You’ll need to amend the soil before planting brass buttons again.

Temperature

A lone Cotula coronopifolia flower surrounded by feathery green leaves and tiny white daisies in the grass.
In drought and intense heat, brass buttons may die back.

Brass buttons are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 10. In drought and intense heat, brass buttons may die back. The same goes for species and varieties sensitive to extreme cold, or general winters in cooler climates. Keeping the soil adequately moist should assist with keeping the plant alive in either condition, and it may remain evergreen in good conditions.

Fertilizer

A woman holds a handful of fine, white plant fertilizer granules in her open palm.
You can fertilize the plant in early spring and then in early summer.

Once your plant is well-established, only then you should fertilize it. Use a half-strength, all-purpose fertilizer once or twice per year. You can fertilize the plant in early spring and then in early summer. Don’t worry about fall or winter fertilizing, as the growth rate slows down during those seasons.

Maintenance

A gardener pushes a large lawn mower over grass scattered with dry orange leaves.
To prevent overgrowth, thin two to three times per year.

Repotting is easy, as they’re hardy to intensive handling. You can move them from container to container in early spring without a problem, dig them up from certain areas of your yard, and transplant them in others. They should spread quickly.

To prevent overgrowth, thin two to three times per year. You can use a lawn mower for larger surfaces and pruning shears for smaller containers.

Propagation

A tabletop filled with pots, soil, and gardening tools, featuring a few green plants ready for planting.
You may want to propagate it by division, splitting up the bunches and sowing them in different locations

Once established, these plants are crazy growers and can spread quite fast. You may want to propagate it by division, splitting up the bunches and sowing them in different locations in your yard. The best season to propagate brass buttons is spring or early fall. Make sure to space the plants nine to twelve inches apart.

Common Problems

Cotula coronopifolia plants with pale yellow, nearly cream-colored blooms clustered in a soft, rounded shape.
You shouldn’t have too many problems with this plant.

If you’re addressing their water needs and fertilizing them well, you shouldn’t have too many problems with this plant. However, there are a few things you need to watch out for.

Growing Problems

A meadow blanketed in Cotula coronopifolia, their yellow flower heads creating a sea of tiny glowing dots.
You have to remain vigilant in pruning them to keep them from overtaking your garden.

Climate can affect plant growth. If you are living in a place that is dry, you’ll need to water brass buttons quite frequently to keep them in their original condition. Similarly, for light soils, regular watering is a must. Also, they have a tendency to spread indefinitely. You have to remain vigilant in pruning them to keep them from overtaking your garden.

Pests and Diseases

A detailed view of a Cotula coronopifolia flower with bright yellow petals and a compact, textured center.
You’re unlikely to face any problems related to pest or diseases.

Brass buttons are generally pest-free. You’re unlikely to face any problems related to pest or diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New Zealand brass button a fern?

No, it has a fern-like appearance, but it’s not actually a fern.

Can I grow brass buttons in a container and put in my room?

Yes! You can grow in a container as long as you place in an area of your house that gets bright, indirect light.

How often do I need to fertilize?

Twice per year. Once in early spring and then in early summer using a half-strength, all-purpose fertilizer is sufficient for healthy growth.

It snows too much where I live. Is it okay to grow brass buttons in my lawn?

If you’re able to protect the leaves from snow, they’ll turn brown but will stay in place. Exposure to cold will cause the leaves to die and fall. New growth will come out in spring.

Are brass buttons invasive?

Certain species of plants with the common name ‘brass buttons’ are invasive in parts of North America. However, Leptinella gruveri is not. It can be aggressive, though so prune and divide it regularly.

How tall does brass buttons grow?

They don’t get larger than two inches tall.

How fast does brass buttons spread?

It spreads quickly, taking up around twelve inches in one year in optimal conditions.

Are brass buttons perennial?

In their hardiness zones of 4 through 10, they are perennial evergreens.

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