Common Mountain Daisy, Cotton Plant

Botanical name: Celmisia spectabilis subsp. spectabilis

Synonyms: Celmisia spectabilis var. angustifolia, Celmisia spectabilis var. albomarginata, Celmisia ruahinensis

Common name(s): Common Mountain Daisy, Cotton Plant, Puharetaiko, Tikumu

About:
One of New Zealand’s most widespread and recognisable mountain daisies, forming impressive mats or cushions of large silver-backed foliage crowned by showy white flowers. This highly variable species occurs throughout many mountain ranges of both islands and is valued for its adaptability, ornamental appeal and importance in alpine ecosystems.

Natural habitat:
Subalpine and alpine grasslands, herbfields, fellfields, rocky slopes and mountain ridges.

Growing environment:
Prefers cool conditions, moist but free-draining soil and full sun to light shade. Performs best with afternoon shade in warmer climates. Tolerates cold, frost and exposed sites but dislikes persistent humidity.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found from the Raukūmara Range south through the central North Island mountains, Ruahine and Tararua Ranges, and throughout parts of north-west Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury to the Rakaia and Mathias Rivers.

Height:
200–300 mm

Width:
Forms mats and cushions from 200 mm to over 1 m across.

Flowering:
October–February

Fruiting:
November–May

Uses:
• Alpine gardens
• Native plant collections
• Rockeries and scree gardens
• Ecological restoration projects
• Pollinator-friendly plantings
• Feature foliage displays

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A woody-based perennial herb forming large rosettes from hidden branching rootstocks. Plants gradually develop broad cushions or mats composed of multiple rosettes.

Leaves:
Leathery lanceolate-oblong to narrowly ovate leaves 30–180 mm long. Upper surfaces are glossy green and distinctly grooved, while undersides are densely covered in soft pale buff to brown woolly tomentum. Leaf margins are recurved and often conceal the silvery underside.

Flowers:
Large white daisy flowers with yellow centres carried singly on stout woolly stems up to 300 mm tall. Flower heads contain numerous white ray florets surrounding dense yellow disc florets.

Fruit:
Produces grooved wind-dispersed achenes topped with fine barbellate pappus hairs.

Ecology:
An important component of New Zealand mountain ecosystems. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for native insects, while the dense foliage offers protection from alpine weather. The species is notably resilient to grazing and historical burning, contributing to its widespread distribution.

Associated habitats:
Alpine grassland, subalpine herbfield, fellfield, tussockland, rocky slopes, mountain ridges and exposed alpine terraces.

How to grow:
Plant in a cool position with moist, free-draining soil. Full sun is suitable in cooler climates, while some afternoon shade is beneficial in warmer regions. Avoid waterlogged soils and areas with prolonged humidity.

Propagation:
Readily grown from fresh seed. Select forms from regions similar to the intended growing climate, as natural populations vary considerably in size and vigour.

Cultural use:
Known as Puharetaiko and often referred to as Tikumu in some regions, this species forms part of New Zealand’s iconic mountain flora and has long been recognised as a characteristic plant of alpine landscapes.

Garden value:
One of the easiest large-leaved mountain daisies to cultivate. Its handsome silver-backed foliage, broad growth habit and abundant white flowers make it an outstanding choice for alpine gardens, rockeries and native plant collections.