Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black': New Zealand Brass Buttons – Feathery Black Foliage

Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black' – Platt's Black Brass Buttons

Leptinella squalida 'Platt's Black' (syn. Cotula squalida) is a remarkable, tiny, mat-forming perennial from New Zealand. It forms a dense, moss-like carpet of feathery, fern-like leaves that are an intense, deep bronze-black – almost black. In summer, it produces tiny, button-like, yellow-green flower heads (hence "brass buttons"). The foliage color is the star.

'Platt's Black' thrives in full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates light foot traffic. It is perfect for planting between pavers, in troughs, fairy gardens, and as a small-scale ground cover. The black foliage provides stunning contrast to green and chartreuse plants. A unique, collector's plant for miniature and foliage-focused designs.

Plant Profile