Cotton Lavender, also known as Lavender Cotton or Santolina
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Santolina, Species: Santolina chamaecyparissus · Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family) · Compound (pinnately divided/bipinnatifid), evergreen
Species
Santolina chamaecyparissus
Leaf Type
Compound (pinnately divided/bipinnatifid), evergreen
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Linear to narrowly oblong overall with highly divided, pectinately arranged lobes
Size
Approximately 1 to 2 inches long, which is typical for the species
Margin
Deeply lobed or toothed (pinnatifid)
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Silvery-grey to pale green color with a dense, woolly pubescence giving it a frosted appearance
Venation Pattern
Reticulate with an obscure central midrib hidden by hairs
Texture & Surface
Pubescent, woolly, and soft to the touch with a felt-like surface
Description
Santolina chamaecyparissus is a small, aromatic, evergreen subshrub forming dense, mounding cushions. It is highly valued for its striking, silvery foliage and button-like, bright yellow composite flowers that bloom in summer. The foliage releases a strong, pungent, chamomile-like scent when crushed.
Key Features
Distinctive aromatic, silvery-grey, finely divided, woolly leaves and a compact, shrubby habit
Habitat
Dry, rocky slopes, coastal cliffs, and open Mediterranean scrublands; prefers poor, well-draining soils and full sun
Geographic Range
Native to the western and central Mediterranean region, widely cultivated as an ornamental plant globally
Condition Notes
Dry pressed herbarium specimen in fair to good condition, slightly darkened by aging and mounting tape
Interesting Facts
Historically used in knot gardens during the Elizabethan era and dried as a natural insect repellent for linens
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally as an antispasmodic and vermifuge, primarily planted today in ornamental landscaping, rockeries, and herb gardens
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for late-summer pollinators and acts as a drought-tolerant ground cover that stabilizes dry soils
Similar Species
Santolina pinnata subsp. neapolitana, which has greener, longer, and less densely woolly leaves
Foraging Tips
Look for cultivated garden borders, dry Mediterranean stone walls, and xeriscapes; easily identified by the pungent aroma and silver foliage
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic; ingestion can cause gastrointestinal irritation and skin contact may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals