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Acaena (Acaena)
Acaena is a diverse group of plants encompassing both ornamental and edible species. This family includes beloved favorites like roses, apples, and strawberries. With their captivating blooms and delicious fruits, Rosales plants have significant garden usage and economic value. They also attract beneficial insects and birds, contributing to the ecological balance. From delicate wildflowers to towering fruit trees, acaena showcases a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them an enchanting addition to any landscape.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Acaena
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Attributes of Acaena
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Acaena
Distribution of Acaena
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Distribution Map of Acaena
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Acaena
Feedback
The acaena genus, with over a hundred species, is a versatile group needing simple care. Basic care involves exposure to full sun or partial shade, moderate watering, and well-drained soil with fair to good fertility. Challenges include sensitivity to extreme heat or frost and potential issues with rust or caterpillars. Seasonally, spring is the perfect time for planting and autumn for pruning. Winter's frost can harm acaena, so it's advised to mulch or provide protective coverings in cold climates.
Exploring the Acaena Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Pirri-pirri bur
The Acaena novae-zelandiae produces spiky flowers and seeds, giving this small perennial a unique look and making it a popular choice for ground cover. However, it easily spreads and has become invasive in some countries. The plant's scientific name, Acaena novae-zelandiae, comes from the Ancient Greek word "akaina", which means "thorn", and the Latin words for New Zealand, where it originates from.
Acaena elongata
Acaena elongata is a perennial herb with elongated, feathery leaves, often thriving in rocky, alpine terrains. Its growth patterns are adaptive to thin soils, where it forms dense mats underpinned by sturdy rhizomes. The plant is distinguished by its reddish burr-like seed heads, which cling to passersby, aiding in seed dispersal. Acaena elongata's resilience and creeping habit make it a distinctive presence in its challenging habitats.
Silver New Zealand Burr
Acaena caesiiglauca grow to a height of 5 to 10 cm and a spread of about 61 cm. The flowers consist of reddish burrs and its foliage is described as a silky bluish grey.
Acaena saccaticupula
Often found growing in moist, sunny gardens, acaena saccaticupula makes an attractive groundcover. It produces small flowers in the summer but is grown more for its colorful fall berries and uniquely colored foliage that also gives the plant its occasional common name, “blue haze.” The small leaves are a dusty, dark blue color.
Acaena buchananii
Acaena buchananii is a low-growing perennial with feathery foliage which creates a dense mat, ideal for ground cover. Its blue-green leaves are accompanied by inconspicuous yellow flowers, followed by distinctive burr-like seed heads. Thriving in sunny, well-drained conditions, acaena buchananii adapts to survive in poor soils, often found in rocky or coastal landscapes.
California biddy-biddy
California biddy-biddy showcases a low-growing habit with feather-like, pinnately divided leaves. The distinctive reddish burrs it produces are eye-catching, designed to hitch a ride on passing animals for seed dispersal. Thriving in the woodlands and grasslands of California, its resilience is fine-tuned to the region's climate, favoring well-drained soils and open spaces bathed in sunshine or partial shade.
Acaena fissistipula
Acaena fissistipula is a perennial herb with a unique ground-covering growth habit. Its leaves are divided into intricately pinnate leaflets, with a textured, deep green hue. Striking are the reddish-brown burrs that emerge following inconspicuous flowers, lending a spiky appearance to the plant. Adaptable to various soils, acaena fissistipula thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas, often dominating its space with a dense mat-like spread.
Acaena dumicola
Acaena dumicola is a diminutive, perennial ground cover, well-adapted to rocky soils and open scrublands. It features small, divided leaves that form a dense, low mat, and during its flowering period, it produces inconspicuous reddish flowers. Its unique barbed seed heads, which readily cling to passing wildlife, facilitate the widespread dispersal of its seeds, ensuring its resilience and propagation in its native habitat.
All Species of Acaena
Pirri-pirri bur
Pirri-pirri bur
The Acaena novae-zelandiae produces spiky flowers and seeds, giving this small perennial a unique look and making it a popular choice for ground cover. However, it easily spreads and has become invasive in some countries. The plant's scientific name, Acaena novae-zelandiae, comes from the Ancient Greek word "akaina", which means "thorn", and the Latin words for New Zealand, where it originates from.
Acaena elongata
Acaena elongata
Acaena elongata is a perennial herb with elongated, feathery leaves, often thriving in rocky, alpine terrains. Its growth patterns are adaptive to thin soils, where it forms dense mats underpinned by sturdy rhizomes. The plant is distinguished by its reddish burr-like seed heads, which cling to passersby, aiding in seed dispersal. Acaena elongata's resilience and creeping habit make it a distinctive presence in its challenging habitats.
Silver New Zealand Burr
Silver New Zealand Burr
Acaena caesiiglauca grow to a height of 5 to 10 cm and a spread of about 61 cm. The flowers consist of reddish burrs and its foliage is described as a silky bluish grey.
Acaena saccaticupula
Acaena saccaticupula
Often found growing in moist, sunny gardens, acaena saccaticupula makes an attractive groundcover. It produces small flowers in the summer but is grown more for its colorful fall berries and uniquely colored foliage that also gives the plant its occasional common name, “blue haze.” The small leaves are a dusty, dark blue color.
Acaena buchananii
Acaena buchananii
Acaena buchananii is a low-growing perennial with feathery foliage which creates a dense mat, ideal for ground cover. Its blue-green leaves are accompanied by inconspicuous yellow flowers, followed by distinctive burr-like seed heads. Thriving in sunny, well-drained conditions, acaena buchananii adapts to survive in poor soils, often found in rocky or coastal landscapes.
California biddy-biddy
California biddy-biddy
California biddy-biddy showcases a low-growing habit with feather-like, pinnately divided leaves. The distinctive reddish burrs it produces are eye-catching, designed to hitch a ride on passing animals for seed dispersal. Thriving in the woodlands and grasslands of California, its resilience is fine-tuned to the region's climate, favoring well-drained soils and open spaces bathed in sunshine or partial shade.
Acaena fissistipula
Acaena fissistipula
Acaena fissistipula is a perennial herb with a unique ground-covering growth habit. Its leaves are divided into intricately pinnate leaflets, with a textured, deep green hue. Striking are the reddish-brown burrs that emerge following inconspicuous flowers, lending a spiky appearance to the plant. Adaptable to various soils, acaena fissistipula thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas, often dominating its space with a dense mat-like spread.
Acaena dumicola
Acaena dumicola
Acaena dumicola is a diminutive, perennial ground cover, well-adapted to rocky soils and open scrublands. It features small, divided leaves that form a dense, low mat, and during its flowering period, it produces inconspicuous reddish flowers. Its unique barbed seed heads, which readily cling to passing wildlife, facilitate the widespread dispersal of its seeds, ensuring its resilience and propagation in its native habitat.
Spineless acaena
Spineless acaena
Spineless acaena is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb known for its feathery foliage and burr-like fruit. Its smooth, spineless character sets it apart from other barbed species in the same genus. Preferring well-drained soils, spineless acaena thrives in sunny to partial shade locations, where its vigorous growth can sometimes outcompete less robust plants.
Acaena profundeincisa
Acaena profundeincisa
Acaena profundeincisa displays a unique foliage pattern with deeply incised leaves that speak to its resilience in rocky terrains. This groundcover thrives in well-drained soils, where it unfurls mats of greenery punctuated by reddish burr-like fruits. The intricate leaf design, coupled with its hardy nature, makes it both a visual and ecological standout.
Acaena juvenca
Acaena juvenca
Acaena juvenca is a New Zealand native herb that grows at the margins of forests of broad-leaved trees at altitudes up to 1200 m. This plant spreads horizontally via underground stems. The plant's seeds are spiny and propagate by attaching themselves to animal fur, feathers (and clothing).
Australian sheep's bur
Australian sheep's bur
Australian sheep's bur is a resilient herbaceous plant that thrives in rugged terrain. It's characterized by pinnate leaves with feathery edges, which may provide efficient water runoff. The most striking feature is its spiky seed heads that resemble tiny burrs; these aid in seed dispersal by sticking to passing animals. Australian sheep's bur's tough nature allows it to survive in diverse and challenging ecosystems.
New zealand burr
New zealand burr
New zealand burr is a hardy, low-growing perennial, thriving in the harsh conditions of subantarctic regions. Its feather-like foliage forms a dense mat, while the spherical, burr-like seed heads provide a notable visual feature. These reddish-brown burrs, lined with sharp barbs, assist in seed dispersal by readily attaching to passing animals. New zealand burr has a robust nature, allowing it to withstand challenging weather and poor soil conditions.
Acaena glabra
Acaena glabra
Acaena glabra is a perennial ground cover known for its low-growing, mat-forming habit. It thrives in open, well-drained soils, often colonizing rocky terrains. The plant displays pinnate leaves with a soft, almost feather-like texture, and its globular seed heads add a touch of whimsy. These burr-like seeds readily hitch a ride on passersby, aiding in acaena glabra's distribution in its native habitat.
New zealand bur
New zealand bur
New zealand bur is a low-growing perennial herb with delicate, feather-shaped leaves, which are reminiscent of a waterfowl's plumage. This groundcover plant thrives in open, rocky habitats, adapting well to poor soils and typically features reddish stems. During its flowering phase, new zealand bur sports subtle, inconspicuous flowers, followed by unique burr-like, spiky seed heads that assist in seed dispersal by clinging to passing animals.
Pale biddy biddy
Pale biddy biddy
Pale biddy biddy exhibits a low-growing, spreading habit with feathery, finely-divided leaves that lend a soft texture to its appearance. Notably, its inconspicuous greenish flowers are overshadowed by more striking, reddish burr-like seed heads which persist after bloom, providing year-round interest. Thriving in well-drained soils, pale biddy biddy is adept at colonizing rocky and other challenging terrains, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in its native environment.
Argentinian biddy biddy
Argentinian biddy biddy
Argentinian biddy biddy is a low-growing herbaceous perennial with a distinctive feathery appearance, courtesy of its finned leaves. Thriving in well-drained soils, it often carpets the ground in shaded areas, forming natural green mosaics. Its globular burrs, which easily cling to passersby, are crucial for its spread, ensuring that argentinian biddy biddy continues to grace woodland settings with its understated charm.
Acaena emittens
Acaena emittens
Acaena emittens is a low-growing perennial herb known for its mat-forming habit and attractive, feathery foliage. Its leaves are typically pinnate with a soft texture, accompanied by small, globular, reddish burrs that entice dispersal by clinging to passing animals. Thriving in well-drained soils, acaena emittens adapts to rocky terrains and open, sunny environments, where its spreading nature helps stabilize the ground.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Acaena
Acaena
Acaena is a diverse group of plants encompassing both ornamental and edible species. This family includes beloved favorites like roses, apples, and strawberries. With their captivating blooms and delicious fruits, Rosales plants have significant garden usage and economic value. They also attract beneficial insects and birds, contributing to the ecological balance. From delicate wildflowers to towering fruit trees, acaena showcases a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them an enchanting addition to any landscape.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Acaena
Feedback
Attributes of Acaena
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Acaena
Distribution of Acaena
Feedback
Distribution Map of Acaena
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Acaena
Feedback
The acaena genus, with over a hundred species, is a versatile group needing simple care. Basic care involves exposure to full sun or partial shade, moderate watering, and well-drained soil with fair to good fertility. Challenges include sensitivity to extreme heat or frost and potential issues with rust or caterpillars. Seasonally, spring is the perfect time for planting and autumn for pruning. Winter's frost can harm acaena, so it's advised to mulch or provide protective coverings in cold climates.
Exploring the Acaena Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Pirri-pirri bur
The Acaena novae-zelandiae produces spiky flowers and seeds, giving this small perennial a unique look and making it a popular choice for ground cover. However, it easily spreads and has become invasive in some countries. The plant's scientific name, Acaena novae-zelandiae, comes from the Ancient Greek word "akaina", which means "thorn", and the Latin words for New Zealand, where it originates from.
Acaena elongata
Acaena elongata is a perennial herb with elongated, feathery leaves, often thriving in rocky, alpine terrains. Its growth patterns are adaptive to thin soils, where it forms dense mats underpinned by sturdy rhizomes. The plant is distinguished by its reddish burr-like seed heads, which cling to passersby, aiding in seed dispersal. Acaena elongata's resilience and creeping habit make it a distinctive presence in its challenging habitats.
Silver New Zealand Burr
Acaena caesiiglauca grow to a height of 5 to 10 cm and a spread of about 61 cm. The flowers consist of reddish burrs and its foliage is described as a silky bluish grey.
Acaena saccaticupula
Often found growing in moist, sunny gardens, acaena saccaticupula makes an attractive groundcover. It produces small flowers in the summer but is grown more for its colorful fall berries and uniquely colored foliage that also gives the plant its occasional common name, “blue haze.” The small leaves are a dusty, dark blue color.
Show More Species
All Species of Acaena
Pirri-pirri bur
Acaena elongata
Silver New Zealand Burr
Acaena saccaticupula
Acaena buchananii
California biddy-biddy
Acaena fissistipula
Acaena dumicola
Spineless acaena
Acaena profundeincisa
Acaena juvenca
Australian sheep's bur
New zealand burr
Acaena glabra
New zealand bur
Pale biddy biddy
Argentinian biddy biddy
Acaena emittens
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
