Family: Asteraceae

The Pacific Chrysanthemum is an herbaceous ground cover native to Japan. It forms mounds of attractive green and silver variegated foliage—an excellent species for outcompeting weeds, plant in areas of the garden where weeds are problematic. The mounding habit also makes an attractive border. Small, gold button-like flowers appear in the fall. Bees are attracted to the golden blooms.

Keep trimmed to maintain a bushy habit. Propagate by seeds, root cuttings, bulbs, and rhizomes. Spring is the best time to divide and plant. Drought tolerant after it is established. Tolerates poor soil if drainage is good.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Ornamental

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in temperate climates (possibly higher elevations of tropical islands)
  
• Host to white rust
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Possibly hybridizes with other species
  
• Spreads via rhizomes and seeds
  
• Lack of good information on ecology of seed dispersal makes accurate risk prediction difficult
  
• Described as aggressive and sometimes invasive by gardening website

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization elsewhere
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Reaches maturity in 2-5 years