Woollyhead

Botanical name: Craspedia uniflora
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Woollyhead, Pautea, Bachelor’s Button, Billy Buttons

About:
Craspedia uniflora is a distinctive tufted perennial endemic to New Zealand, growing naturally from lowland grasslands to subalpine herbfields. It is recognised by its narrow rosette of softly hairy leaves and its solitary globe-shaped flower head, which may be white or yellow depending on the variety. Although variable in size and appearance across its range, it is one of New Zealand’s most attractive native alpine daisies and is now regarded as nationally endangered.

Natural habitat:
Lowland to subalpine grasslands, herbfields, open mountain slopes and rocky alpine habitats.

Growing environment:
Thrives in full sun with well-drained soils. Prefers open sites with good air movement and tolerates frost, wind and periods of drought once established.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand.

Height:
15–45 cm

Width:
20–40 cm

Flowering:
Summer.

Fruiting:
Late summer to autumn.

Uses:
• Alpine and rock gardens
• Native grassland restoration
• Pollinator gardens
• Container planting
• Fresh and dried flower arrangements
• Native plant collections

Appearance:
Growth habit:
A compact tufted perennial forming a basal rosette with slender flowering stems.

Leaves:
Obovate to narrowly spoon-shaped leaves, green-grey and softly covered with fine white hairs, particularly along the margins. Leaf size and hairiness vary considerably between natural populations and recognised varieties.

Flowers:
Single spherical flower heads approximately 1.5–3 cm across, white to bright yellow depending on the variety, borne on long, slender stems above the foliage.

Fruit:
Small dry seeds (cypselae) covered with silky hairs and adapted for wind dispersal.

Ecology:
The flowers provide nectar and pollen for native insects, while the lightweight seeds are dispersed by wind. It is naturally adapted to exposed grassland and alpine environments.

Associated habitats:
Native grasslands, alpine herbfields, montane tussocklands, rocky slopes and open subalpine communities.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Performs well in sandy, gravelly or rocky soils. Avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly during winter. Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry periods.

Propagation:
Usually propagated from fresh seed. Division of mature clumps is also possible, although care should be taken to minimise root disturbance.

Cultural use:
Known traditionally as Pautea, this species forms part of New Zealand’s unique alpine flora and contributes to the biodiversity of native grassland ecosystems.

Garden value:
An excellent choice for alpine, rock and native gardens. Its neat tufted foliage and striking globe-shaped flowers provide strong seasonal interest, while its adaptability to dry, exposed conditions makes it ideal for low-maintenance plantings. As a nationally endangered species, cultivated plants also contribute to the appreciation and conservation of this distinctive New Zealand native.