Athanasia trifurcata (L.) L.
trifid-leaf athanasia, coulter bush · kouterbos, klaaslouwbos (Afr.)
Fast, aromatic grey shrub with three-forked leaves (just what trifurcata means) and flat yellow flower heads in early summer.
What’s in the name: Athanasia: Greek for "immortality", a nod to the long-lasting flower heads; trifurcata: "three-forked".
“Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!”
— Henry David Thoreau, Walden – Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854), Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Asteraceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Mainly winter-rainfall region: Namaqualand through the Western Cape and Little Karoo to Port Elizabeth. Dry flats and rocky slopes.
Size & form
Evergreen aromatic shrub up to 1.5 m. Narrow, stalkless, wedge-shaped grey-green leaves up to 40 mm, usually three-toothed at the tip.
Flowering
October to November: bright yellow, flat-topped clusters at the branch tips.
Uses in landscaping
- Fynbos, renosterveld, Karoo and coastal gardens
- Waterwise: drought tolerant, though better with regular watering
- Dense flowering shrub for borders
Care notes
Full sun, warm conditions and sandy, free-draining, slightly acid soil. Tolerates light frost. Water when the soil is nearly dry. Propagate by seed in autumn or by cuttings; it also self-seeds.
From the grower
A true pioneer. After major disturbance, even long-term ploughing, this is the real pioneer. Let it do its thing for a few years and do not disturb the land again. Once Athanasia trifurcata has a foothold, the road to real recovery has begun. (Dirk Zwiegelaar, AVNPlants)
Wildlife value
Pollinated by a wide range of insects including bees, wasps, beetles, thrips and butterflies.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Athanasia trifurcata'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Athanasia trifurcata (L.) L. (assessment 2005/06/30).