A miniature alpine daisy of great charm, Townsendia leptotes is native to high mountain slopes and gravelly ridges of the western United States, often found above timberline in the Rockies. This tiny perennial forms low mats of narrow, gray-green leaves that hug the ground tightly, perfectly adapted to life in exposed, rocky habitats. In early spring to early summer, the mats are topped with disproportionately large daisylike flowers, white to pale lavender, with golden centers that glow against the fine foliage.
In the rock garden, T. leptotes is a gem for troughs, crevices, or the front of sunny, well-drained beds. Its tidy cushion habit and early flowering make it a natural partner for other alpine treasures, and its ability to thrive in lean, gritty soils allows it to succeed where less specialized plants fail.
Hardy to at least USDA zone 4 (–30 °F / –34 °C), this species mirrors its alpine origins with excellent cold tolerance, provided it is given the sharp drainage it demands. A choice plant for collectors of true alpines, Townsendia leptotes brings a touch of the high peaks to even the smallest rockery.
A miniature alpine daisy of great charm, Townsendia leptotes is native to high mountain slopes and gravelly ridges of the western United States, often found above timberline in the Rockies. This tiny perennial forms low mats of narrow, gray-green leaves that hug the ground tightly, perfectly adapted to life in exposed, rocky habitats. In early spring to early summer, the mats are topped with disproportionately large daisylike flowers, white to pale lavender, with golden centers that glow against the fine foliage.
In the rock garden, T. leptotes is a gem for troughs, crevices, or the front of sunny, well-drained beds. Its tidy cushion habit and early flowering make it a natural partner for other alpine treasures, and its ability to thrive in lean, gritty soils allows it to succeed where less specialized plants fail.
Hardy to at least USDA zone 4 (–30 °F / –34 °C), this species mirrors its alpine origins with excellent cold tolerance, provided it is given the sharp drainage it demands. A choice plant for collectors of true alpines, Townsendia leptotes brings a touch of the high peaks to even the smallest rockery.
