Acaena saccaticupula
blue goose leaf
A vigorous, evergreen perennial producing pinnate leaves, to 8cm long, grey-blue with 9-13 leaflets. Spherical white flowerheads are followed by dark red burrs to 2cm across, with pinkish-red spines in midsummer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Blue Grey Silver | Red | |
| Autumn | Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Potentially harmful
- Pets (dogs) - Burrs can irritate skin
- Genus
Acaena can be evergreen perennials or subshrubs with pinnate leaves with dentate leaflets. Tiny flowers are carried in a dense rounded head or spike, followed by attractive burr-like fruiting heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act (Northern Ireland) as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild IN NORTHERN IRELAND Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
Please see cultivation notes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
Pull out rooted stems to restrict its spread
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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