Species whitehead bogbutton
globe-like, sliver-white, small flower with green stem

whitehead bogbutton

Lachnocaulon anceps

Whitehead Bogbutton (Lachnocaulon anceps) is a perennial herb in the Sunflower family. It only grows in the boggy and seepy mire systems in two counties in Wisconsin and one in Iowa. The plant grows in colonies of 12-18 inches tall and has 6-11 white-tufted leaves. It blooms in early summer with pale yellow to white small flower heads surrounded by a ring of long white-pubescent phyllaries. The flowers are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other insects. The fruits are achenes. Whitehead Bogbutton is threatened by drainage of wetlands and invasive species that shade out its habitat. Preservation of wetlands is critical for the survival of this species.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Whitehead bogbutton (Lachnocaulon anceps) should be watered moderately and consistently. It is best to water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch and always make sure the soil is kept lightly moist. It can tolerate dryer periods, but be sure to not let it dry out completely. In general, water this plant about once a week or every other week. Water less if temperatures are mild and more often if temperatures are quite hot. It is best to use distilled or rain water for this plant as it can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water.

sunlight

Whitehead bogbuttons (Lachnocaulon anceps) thrive best in indirect sunlight, ideally with 2 to 3 hours of full sun per day. They should not be in direct sunlight for more than 4 hours a day, as this may cause them to become stressed. Morning sun is best, and afternoon shade is ideal. If grown indoors, place them in an area with bright, indirect light. For optimal health, make sure that plants get good air circulation and ventilation.

pruning

Whitehead Bogbuttons are evergreen perennials that need to be pruned in late summer or early fall for optimal growth. Prune by removing spent, dead, or diseased stems and branches. It may help to lightly prune the stems back to the ground to encourage new growth. Be careful not to prune too much as it will reduce the amount of blooms the following season. Additionally, lightly trim the stems of shoots that are growing out of the desired shape to help keep its natural rounded form. Pruning this plant in late summer or early fall helps to encourage new growth and blooms for the following season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Whitehead bogbutton typically starts flowering in April.

Hardiness Map