SafePlants

Argythamnia humilis

Also known as Low Silverbush, this plant is a subshrub forb/herb belonging to the genus Argythamnia.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as having silky silver/grey foliage.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is commonly found in gardens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Argythamnia humilis (Engelm. & A. Gray) Mll. Arg. var. humilis
• Common Name: Low Silverbush
• Family: Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
• Synonyms: Ditaxis humilis (Engelm. & A.Gray) Pax, Argythamnia humilis var. leiosperma Waterf., Ditaxis humilis var. leiosperma (Waterf.) A.R. Sm. & Govaerts

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Mediterranean limestone hills.
• Enjoys a hot, sunny position in rock gardens.
• Prefers fairly low fertility and efficient drainage.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Evergreen with silky silver/grey foliage.
• Flowers have pink buds which open to white flowers with yellow centres throughout the summer.
• Height: 60cm.
• Spread: 75cm.
• Perennial duration.

Ecological Role

• Well-suited as a drought-tolerant xeriscaping plant.
• Often used as a low-growing perennial in the trade.
• Can be used as an informal low hedge or path edging.
• Good groundcover plant.

Quirky Facts

• The plant is mentioned in the title of a book "Pat of Silver Bush (1933)" by L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Provides a good contrast to bolder architectural plants.
• Libertia is a good companion to lower ground cover plants.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Argythamnia humilis.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern.