Cineraria maritima

Cineraria maritima, also known as dusty miller or silver dust, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial plant known for its striking silver-grey foliage, which provides a stark contrast to its yellow flowers.

Description

The Cineraria maritima is a small plant, typically reaching heights of 15-30 cm. Its leaves are lobed and covered in fine, silver-white hairs, giving the plant its characteristic silver appearance. The flowers are small, yellow, and daisy-like, appearing in clusters from late spring to early summer.

Habitat and Distribution

Cineraria maritima is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is particularly common along the coasts, where it thrives in the sandy, well-drained soils.

Cultivation

In cultivation, Cineraria maritima is often used as a bedding plant or for edging in borders due to its distinctive foliage. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping.

Uses

Apart from its ornamental use, Cineraria maritima has been used in traditional medicine. However, its efficacy and safety have not been scientifically validated.

See Also

• Asteraceae
• Mediterranean flora
• Xeriscaping