Acaena microphylla

RHS Plant Profile
New Zealand bur
New Zealand bur RHS 2002

Other common names

New Zealand burr, rosy-spined New Zealand bur

Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in Northern Ireland – see Cultivation section for details. An evergreen perennial with low-growing rooting stems and small, pinnate leaves with bronze tints. Rounded clusters of pale, whitish flowers appear in summer, followed by rusty-red seedheads

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

All species of Acaena are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 as invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause it to grow in the wild in Northern Ireland. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information

Propagation

See cultivation notes

Pests

See cultivation notes

Diseases

See cultivation notes