Blue Buttons

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Native distribution

Europe, W. Asia, Africa

Location

Heasley Rock Garden

Source of plant

Siskiyou Rare Plant Nursery

Description

Erect or decumbent, usually pubescent perennial herbs, 6" tall. Basal leaves to 4", rosulate, oblong-oval to elliptic, thinly pubescent, tapering to a short petiole, stem leaves somewhat narrower, occasionally toothed. Flowerheads 0.5-1" diameter, hermaphrodite or wholly female, semi-spherical, subtended by slender, leaf-like bracts with purple tips; receptacle scales almost equalling corolla; epicalyx furrowed; corolla indigo to deep purple, 4 lobed. Fruit to 0.25", a downy achene.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5