Dusty-miller (Jacobaea maritima, R.Meijden, Heukels’ Fl. Nederland: 677 (2005))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (L.) Pelser & Meijden

Bibliography: R.Meijden, Heukels’ Fl. Nederland: 677 (2005)

Year: 2005

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Jacobaea

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Medit.

Description

Dusty-miller (Jacobaea maritima)

Dusty-miller, known scientifically as Jacobaea maritima, is a striking and versatile perennial plant commonly admired for its unique and ornamental foliage. This charming plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, a significant group of flowering plants that includes daisies and sunflowers.

Description

Dusty-miller is renowned for its silvery-white, finely divided leaves that impart a soft, velvety texture. These leaves not only add an elegant touch to gardens but also offer a striking contrast when paired with the green foliage or brightly colored flowers of other plants. The plant typically forms a bushy mound and can grow to a height of 30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches). During summer, Dusty-miller may produce small, yellow, daisy-like flowers, although it is primarily cultivated for its eye-catching foliage.

Habitat and Distribution

The natural habitat of Dusty-miller is primarily within the coastal regions of the Western and Central Mediterranean. This plant thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate poor, sandy soils often found in its native habitats. Its adaptability to various environmental conditions makes it a popular choice for a wide range of garden settings, from borders and beds to containers and rock gardens.

Cultivation and Care

Popular in horticulture for its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs, Dusty-miller is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for resilient and attractive foliage. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires minimal watering once established. Ensuring good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot, especially in wetter climates.

Landscape Uses

Dusty-miller’s unique coloration and texture make it a versatile addition to landscape designs. It is commonly used as an edging plant, in mixed borders, alongside pathways, or as ground cover. Its silvery foliage pairs well with a variety of plant colors and types, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garden compositions.

Additional Notes

The plant was described in detail by renowned botanists R.Meijden in his work “Heukels’ Fl. Nederland” and later by (L.) Pelser & Meijden. Their contributions have helped to catalog and characterize this species, highlighting its significance in horticulture.

In summary, Jacobaea maritima, or Dusty-miller, is more than just a pretty face in the garden; it is a plant of resilience and style, poised to enhance the beauty of any landscape.

Common Names

Dan: gråblad, vestlig gråblad
Deu: silber-greiskraut
Eng: silver ragwort, dusty miller, dusty-miller, silver groundsel
Fra: cinéraire maritime, séneçon bicolore
Swe: silverek
Nld: zilverkruiskruid
Cym: chweinllys, creulys ariannaid, llys y lludw, magl chwannen
En: Dusty-miller, Silver groundsel, Silver ragwort, Dusty miller
Ca: Cinerària
Da: Gråblad, Vestlig gråblad
Nl: Zilverkruiskruid, Cineraria
Fr: Cinéraire maritime, Séneçon bicolore, Séneçon Cinéraire, Séneçon cendré
De: Silber-Greiskraut, Aschenpflanze, Kreuzkraut, Aschen-Greiskraut, Cineraria
It: Cineraria marina, Senecione cinerario
Es: Cineraria
Sv: Silverek
Cy: Chweinllys, Creulys Ariannaid, Llys y Lludw, Magl Chwannen

Synonyms

• Senecio cineraria (DC.)
• Senecio bicolor subsp. cineraria ((DC.) Chater)
• Senecio gibbosus subsp. cineraria ((DC.) Peruzzi, N.G.Passal. & Soldano)
• Othonna maritima (L.)
• Cineraria maritima ((L.) L.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Cyprus (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Alberto Napoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by M G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2020 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2019 by Агуша~биолог (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Dec 30, 2019 by Svenn House (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2018 by daniele vitiello (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Athos Zanarini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Amélie Trocherie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by Ирина Шаикина (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 26, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by M G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Amélie Trocherie (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 22, 2017 by Pierre Séguran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Nick Coombes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by christian Couturier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2022 by Amandine Deligey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 1, 2022 by Dania Dania Delatynskyj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Evelyn Robles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2021 by Janice Baker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2020 by Cyril Boisson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5388595)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77075194-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Jacobaea maritima (L.) Pelser & Meijden)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth