Description
Cotula coronopifolia, known as brass buttons, is a low, creeping plant with aromatic, light green leaves. From May to October it is covered in small, bright yellow, button-like flowers with no petals.
Brass buttons at a glance
| Botanical name |
Cotula coronopifolia |
| Common name |
Brass buttons, golden buttons |
| Plant type |
Low, creeping annual or short-lived perennial |
| Height and spread |
About 15 cm tall, about 30 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Bright yellow, button-like, May to October |
| Position |
Full sun |
| Soil |
Wet, boggy soil or shallow water |
| Pond depth |
0–10 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness |
RHS H4 – hardy in an average UK winter (-10 to -5°C) |
| Native to |
South Africa (not UK native) |
Does brass buttons come back every year?
It is an annual or short-lived perennial, but it self-seeds freely, so it usually reappears around the pond each year.
Where to plant it
- The sunny, shallow edge of a pond, 0–10 cm deep
- Pond beaches and wet ground
- Small ponds and container ponds
Is it good for wildlife?
The flowers attract bees and butterflies. It is not native and has spread into the wild in places, so keep it to garden ponds and do not plant it into natural waters.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
