725B-2-Acaena-echinata-fl-Colleen-Miller.jpg

Acaena echinata

Sheep's Burr

Erect, sparsely hairy, tufted perennial herb.

Additional information

  • FamilyRosaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size25-40 cm high
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesDivided, narrowly egg-shaped to lance-shaped leaves, broader towards the tip, 8-15 cm long; 9-21 egg-shaped leaflets, margins toothed or lobed, with soft hairs on veins and midribs below.
  • Flower colourWhitish with purple anthers
  • Flowering timeAugust to November
  • FlowersCylindrical spike with clusters of tiny flowers scattered along the stalk. Burrs covered in spines of unequal length.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soil in open forests. Full sun, semi shade.
  • Garden useUnderplanting in treed area or planting in moist pockets in a rockery.
  • Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photographer/s: Colleen Miller ©

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