Partridge feather
Tanacetum densum amani
Partridge feather (Tanacetum densum amani) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4 to 8 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Striking silver feathery foliage, the textural star of a xeric border.
low water4 to 8 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wisePlant Select®
Photos
- Photo 1: "2012.08.06_16.52.49_CIMG0754a" by AndreyZharkikh is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Tanacetum densum ssp. amani" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: (c) Mary E. Macaulay, P.Eng., some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: Salicyna, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Salicyna, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 6: Salicyna, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 4 to 8 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Planting spacing
- ~13 to 18 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- 2 to 3 weeks
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- No
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Using Partridge feather as a groundcover
Partridge feather forms a low mat. It fills in to a moderately dense cover. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer; minimal after. Silvery feathered foliage is the main draw.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Partridge feather good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Partridge feather is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Partridge feather get?
- It matures to about 4 to 8 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Partridge feather?
- Space Partridge feather about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Partridge feather hardy on the Front Range?
- Partridge feather is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Partridge feather need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Partridge feather native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Partridge feather a Plant Select® winner?
- Yes. Partridge feather is in Plant Select®, the plant-recommendation program run by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens to highlight plants that thrive in the region.
- Can you walk on Partridge feather?
- Partridge feather isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Partridge feather replace a lawn?
- Yes, Partridge feather works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Partridge feather spread or stay put?
- Partridge feather is mat-forming. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Partridge feather stay green in winter?
- Partridge feather holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
- How long does Partridge feather bloom?
- Partridge feather blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
