Family ASTERACEAE
Genus Eriocephalus
Species africanus
SA Plant Number
Basionym Eriocephalus africanus

Eriocephalus africanus is a hardy, attractive, fast growing evergreen, aromatic, small shrub, with fine, soft, grey, heavily scented leaves.  

It flowers from autumn to winter with white, daisy-like flowers that have a purple centre and are followed by attractive, white, woolly seed heads.  

Plant in a well-drained, sunny position and ensure it is well watered. It is very attractive planted as a small informal hedge along a pathway.  

Prune lightly and regularly to keep in shape. Makes a fragrant addition to pot pourri and is traditionally used in cooking. 

 Size 0.75m

lnsect food plant: Small pollinating insects visit the flowers for pollen and nectar

Culinary: The leaves are a good substitute for the well-known herb Rosemary, and can be added to stews for an interesting flavour.

Landscaping: A useful, middle height to smaller shrub with grey foliage. Flowers in winter, brightening the garden.

Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape

Habitat:Rocky mountain slopes, Rugged Mountainsides, Steep, well-drained granitic slopes in grassland

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Position: Sun - Afternoon, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Sun - Morning, Soil: Clay Soil, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Long Flowering, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Winter flowering, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Blue and shades of purple, Flower colour: White - Cream, Garden type: Forest Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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