Dall’s Mountain Daisy

Botanical name: Celmisia dallii
Synonyms: None known
Common name(s): Dall’s Mountain Daisy

About:
Dall’s Mountain Daisy is a robust alpine herb that forms large tufts of broad silver-backed leaves topped by impressive white daisy flowers. It is one of the larger mountain daisies of north-western South Island limestone country and is particularly associated with calcareous soils and rocky alpine grasslands.

Natural habitat:
Montane to subalpine grasslands, herbfields, limestone outcrops and soils derived from calcareous rock.

Growing environment:
Prefers cool, moist environments with excellent drainage. Best suited to alpine gardens, rock gardens and raised beds where humidity is low and the roots remain cool. Requires protection from prolonged drying out.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in the north-western South Island, mainly in the mountains of North-West Nelson south to the Westport area.

Height:
30–80 cm including flower stems

Width:
40–80 cm

Flowering:
November–February

Fruiting:
December–April

Uses:

• Alpine and rock gardens
• Native alpine collections
• Feature foliage plant
• Limestone and scree gardens
• Ecological restoration in suitable alpine habitats

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A robust tufted perennial arising from a short woody stock, forming large leafy clumps.

Leaves:
Large obovate to lance-shaped leaves, 8–20 cm long, dark green above and densely covered beneath with silky white to pale buff tomentum. Margins are finely toothed and slightly recurved.

Flowers:
Large white daisy flowers 35–70 mm across with yellow centres, borne on stout ribbed stems. Flower stems carry numerous leafy bracts, a distinctive feature of the species.

Fruit:
Produces small ribbed seeds equipped with a fine pappus that enables wind dispersal.

Ecology:
An important component of north-western South Island alpine herbfields. Its flowers provide resources for alpine insects, while its extensive root system helps stabilise shallow mountain soils. Seeds are dispersed by wind.

Associated habitats:
Alpine grasslands, herbfields, limestone bluffs, rocky slopes, montane ridges and calcareous screes.

How to grow:
Plant in a cool position with free-draining but moisture-retentive soil rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade in warmer districts and should never be allowed to completely dry out. Good air circulation is essential.

Propagation:
Best grown from fresh seed sown soon after collection. Established plants can also be divided carefully. Seedlings benefit from cool conditions and steady moisture.

Cultural use:
A distinctive member of New Zealand’s alpine flora, valued for its striking foliage and adaptation to limestone mountain environments.

Garden value:
An impressive mountain daisy with bold silver-backed foliage and large white flowers. It is particularly suited to alpine gardens and cool-climate landscapes where its handsome leaves provide year-round interest.