Woollyhead

Botanical name: Craspedia lanata
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Woollyhead

About:
Craspedia lanata is an attractive alpine perennial endemic to New Zealand’s South Island. It forms compact tufts of silvery-grey woolly foliage, topped in summer by bright yellow or occasionally creamy-white globe-shaped flower heads. Adapted to cold, exposed mountain environments, it is extremely hardy, drought tolerant once established, and an excellent choice for alpine gardens.

Natural habitat:
Mountain tussock grasslands, alpine herbfields, rocky slopes and open subalpine environments.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun and free-draining soils. Thrives in gravelly, sandy or rocky ground and tolerates frost, wind, snow and periods of drought once established.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Naturally found throughout alpine and subalpine areas of the South Island.

Height:
10–30 cm, with flowering stems occasionally reaching 50 cm in some forms.

Width:
20–40 cm

Flowering:
Summer.

Fruiting:
Late summer to autumn.

Uses:
• Alpine and rock gardens
• Native alpine collections
• Gravel gardens
• Pollinator gardens
• Container planting
• Fresh and dried flower arrangements

Appearance:
Growth habit:
A compact evergreen perennial forming dense tufted rosettes.

Leaves:
Obovate leaves 5–10 cm long, densely covered in soft silvery-white wool when young, gradually becoming greener on the upper surface with age while remaining pale beneath.

Flowers:
Rounded flower heads up to 2 cm across, bright yellow or occasionally creamy-white, borne on slender upright stems above the foliage.

Fruit:
Small dry wind-dispersed seed (cypsela) with a feathery pappus.

Ecology:
Its dense woolly foliage reduces moisture loss and protects the plant from cold alpine winds and intense sunlight. The flowers attract a range of native pollinating insects, while wind disperses the seeds.

Associated habitats:
Alpine herbfields, mountain grasslands, tussock communities, rocky slopes and open subalpine landscapes.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Performs best in gravelly or sandy soils and dislikes prolonged winter wetness. Water regularly until established, then only during extended dry periods.

Propagation:
Propagated from fresh seed or by division of mature clumps. Seed germinates best under cool conditions with free-draining growing media.

Cultural use:
As a distinctive member of New Zealand’s alpine flora, woollyhead contributes to the country’s unique mountain biodiversity and is valued in native alpine conservation plantings.

Garden value:
Woollyhead provides year-round interest with its silvery foliage and cheerful golden flower heads. Its compact habit, exceptional hardiness and suitability for dry, exposed sites make it an outstanding choice for alpine, rock and contemporary native gardens.