Botanical name:
Ozothamnus vauvilliersii
Common name(s):
Mountain tauhinu, Mountain cottonwood
About:
Mountain cottonwood is found naturally in various subalpine areas and expansive grassland regions from Thames southward and will tolerate some cold weather conditions. The upper leaf surfaces exhibit a bright green colour that contrasts nicely with the fine yellow tomentum that is present on the undersides of the leaves as well as the stems.
Natural habitat:
Lowland to montane or lower subalpine shrubland and grassland.
Growing environment:
Frost, Sun, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.
Endemic distribution:
Throughout New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart and Auckland Islands in suitable habitat.
Height: 3m
Flowering:
December-May (-August) with a white coloured flower/s
Fruiting:
February-June (-September)
Uses:
Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Hedging & Pioneer Plantings
How to grow:
Easily grown from fresh seed.
** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though