Family: Asteraceae
Author: Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.° 3 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Santolina
Vegetable: False
Observations: Spain to Italy
Description
Grey Santolina, scientifically known as Santolina decumbens, is a charming and versatile plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This delightful plant has carved a niche for itself in gardens and natural landscapes across regions extending from Spain to Italy.
Originating its recognition from the authoritative ‘Gard. Dict.’ in the 8th edition published in 1768 by Mill., Grey Santolina has since been appreciated for its unique appearance and utility. Its presence is particularly noted for adding a touch of silvery elegance to gardens due to its distinctive grey-green foliage.
The plant itself is low-growing, often forming compact, dense mats, making it an excellent ground cover. This growth habit is not just attractive but also practical, as it helps in controlling soil erosion and suppressing weeds. The small, button-like yellow flowers that occasionally dot the foliage add an additional layer of aesthetic appeal during the blooming season.
Grey Santolina thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and can withstand the dry, hot conditions typical of the Mediterranean climate. Its hardy nature and minimal water requirements make it a perfect choice for xeriscaping – an environmentally friendly landscaping method aimed at conserving water.
In addition to its ornamental value, Grey Santolina has been historically utilized in traditional medicine and for its aromatic properties. The finely textured leaves emit a pleasant fragrance when brushed against or crushed, contributing to its appeal in sensory gardens.
Whether grown in rock gardens, as edging for pathways, or in mixed borders, Grey Santolina stands out as a plant of both beauty and resilience. Its adaptability, coupled with low maintenance needs, ensures that it remains a favored choice among gardeners looking to add a touch of Mediterranean charm to their outdoor spaces.
Overall, the Grey Santolina is not just a testament to nature’s aesthetic finesse but also a practical addition to any garden seeking an effortlessly beautiful and enduring plant species.
Common Names
En: Grey Santolina, Lavender-cotton
Ca: Botja de sant Joan, Botja fenollera, Chamamilla blanca, Espernallac
Nl: Heiligenbloem
Fr: Aurone femelle, Camomille de Mahon, Santoline petit-cyprès
De: Heiligenblume, Zypressen-Heiligenkraut
It: Cameciparisso, Crespolina
Es: Abrótano hembra, Cipresillo, Guardarropa, Santolina, Té de Aragón, Tomillo perruno
: Grey santolina
Synonyms
- Santolina villosissima (Poir.)
- Santolina diversifolia (Jord. & Fourr.)
- Santolina chamaecyparissus subvar. diversifolia ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy)
- Santolina chamaecyparissus var. villosissima ((Poir.) DC.)
- Santolina chamaecyparissus var. diversifolia ((Jord. & Fourr.) Guinea)
- Santolina chamaecyparissus var. incana ((Lam.) DC.)
- Santolina incana (Lam.)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Italy (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Vera Noe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2020 by Agathe Le clerc (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 18, 2020 by francisgu1 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Manuel Madrid (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Manuel Madrid (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Roberto Sacristan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2020 by Francois CATELAIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2022 by ASHKAN KHALEGHI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alizée Jung (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Bruno (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 8, 2020 by Pierre Sosson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Mar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alizée Jung (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 2, 2022 by Damien Vieillevigne (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 14, 2020 by Blanca Antonio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2020 by Anne-Laure Dhée (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Ana Gil Montoya (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Ica Balázsné (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Anna Stieranková (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2021 by Helene Wyncoll (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2021 by González García Samuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Maya L (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3125948)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:241936-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Santolina decumbens Mill.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 1
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 5
