Asteraceae; native to Europe and Asia.

Germination: Best sown indoors at alternating temperatures of 68 and 86° and with no cover. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in situ when the soil is warm in the spring or fall and with barely any cover. Indoors and out, expect germination in 15-20 days.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 12 inches apart in full sun. Site in a normal to sandy, dry, low-fertility soil. The plants will spread and reseed and can become invasive.

Appearance and Use: Grow in borders or herb gardens. This vigorous plant grows 24-36 inches tall by 18 inches wide and, from mid-summer to fall, is covered in 51/2 inch diameter clusters of 1/2 inch, bright yellow, button-like flowers. As the dried flowers hold their color and shape, they work well in dried arrangements and make nice additions to potpourris. The 4 inch long, dark green, fern-like foliage is aromatic and used to repel insects. Variety crispum does not spread as much as the species type, it grows smaller at only 18 inches tall, and it doesn’t flower as freely. The highly ornamental foliage of var. crispum is brighter green and is cut and curled in an attractive way.