Aster linosyris

Aster linosyris, recently renamed Galatella linosyris, is very different from other asters. Discreet and wild, it thrives in areas with hot, dry summers, making it a valuable asset for gardeners in southern and warm coastal regions.  In late summer upright corymbs of small, tousled yellow flower heads emerge from its matte, very fine, green-grey foliage. This plant, though modest, will make a good impression where nothing else grows.

Galatella linosyris, being the latest accepted nomenclature, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a plant of dry, low-altitude meadows that is mainly found in the steppe zones of North Africa and Asia Minor. This plant forms a small low bush 15 cm (6in) in height, or 60 cm (24in) when in flower, with a spread of 40 cm (16in). Flowering occurs from August to October. The flower heads, 12 to 18 mm (1in) in diameter, in the form of yellow pompoms, do not resemble those of other asters. The leaves are long, thin, leathery, green-grey, and densely distributed up to the top of the slender stems. The fruit is decorative - an achene covered with reddish bristles. The plant grows from a short rhizome.

Plant Aster linosyris in perfectly drained soil, which can even be alkaline or poor. It is an extremely hardy perennial and will adapt to most climates. Plant it in full sun, in a fallow flowerbed, on a wild embankment, or in a dry rockery. It will accompany yarrows, globe thistles, or lavenders perfectly. Take inspiration from nature by recreating a mosaic of dry terrain and ground cover plants on the slope of a bank.