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Also Known As: Billy Buttons, Golden Balls

Botanical Name: Craspedia globosa

Pronunciation: cras-PEE-dee-a glo-BO-sa

Family Name: Compositae (aster)

Origin: Australia

Common Relatives: sunflower, daisy, chrysanthemum, gerbera

Introduction: There is some undeniable humor in this Australian native, a summer flowering herbaceous perennial named golden drumsticks, also known as Billy Buttons. The bright yellow drumstick flowers grow on strong, leafless stems and are excellent for fresh arrangements, lasting up to 14 days, or for drying. When dried, these floral lovelies will retain their gorgeous color for a year or longer.

Interesting Facts:

• The specific epithet name globosa means spherical shaped, in reference to the flower. From the Greek kraspedon (an edging, in reference to the wooly fringe of the leaves in some New Zealand forms).
• The Compositae or aster family is vast, with over 20,000 species, and is also one of the most developed families. It was named Compositae because the flowers are actually a "composite" of many individual flowers into one head. Hence, when children pull one "petal" off at a time, saying "she/he loves me, loves me not", they are actually removing a complete flower, not just a petal.
• Can be used fresh or dried (lasts for a year, keeps color).

• Globose flower heads 1-2 inches in diameter on top of stems
• plant is an herbaceous perennial, dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined

Flower Color: yellow

Fragrance: none

Decorative Life: 7-14 days fresh

Special Care Tips: Recut stems under water and place into a fresh flower food solution.

Special Concerns:

Ethylene Sensitivity: Unlikely