Cotula coronopifolia - Brass Buttons, Pond Marginal Plant

Cotula coronopifolia, known as brass buttons, is a low, creeping plant with aromatic, light green leaves. From May to October it is covered in small, bright yellow, button-like flowers with no petals.

Brass buttons at a glance

Botanical name	Cotula coronopifolia
Common name	Brass buttons, golden buttons
Plant type	Low, creeping annual or short-lived perennial
Height and spread	About 15 cm tall, about 30 cm wide
Flowers	Bright yellow, button-like, May to October
Position	Full sun
Soil	Wet, boggy soil or shallow water
Pond depth	0–10 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness	RHS H4 – hardy in an average UK winter (-10 to -5°C)
Native to	South Africa (not UK native)

Does brass buttons come back every year?

It is an annual or short-lived perennial, but it self-seeds freely, so it usually reappears around the pond each year.

Where to plant it

The sunny, shallow edge of a pond, 0–10 cm deep
Pond beaches and wet ground
Small ponds and container ponds

Is it good for wildlife?

The flowers attract bees and butterflies. It is not native and has spread into the wild in places, so keep it to garden ponds and do not plant it into natural waters.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.