Compact clumping foliage is nearly evergreen, dominated by basal rosettes underneath dense, dome-shaped white (sometimes pinkish) flower heads borne singly on erect stems. The showy flower structures measure about 1.25″ across and emerge May-June, evoking pincushions.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Barbara’s Buttons
Marshallia caespitosa
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Pink / Rose, White
Fall Color: Green
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Pollinators
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
6 to
12
inches
Spread:
6 to
8
inches
Size
Height: 6 to
12
inches
Spread: 6 to
8
inches
Size
Height: 6 to
12
inches
Spread: 6 to
8
inches
Typical Landscape Use
At the front of borders or in native plant gardens with other compact foliage plants (e.g., prairie pussytoes). Suitable for rock gardens and containers.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Sow seed by February on site with good drainage and soil that is moderate or dry, in full sun to part shade.
Special Features
Special Usage
Containers
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.