Partridge feather
Tanacetum densum amani
Partridge feather (Tanacetum densum amani) is a groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 12–18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Striking silver feathery foliage, the textural star of a xeric border.
low water4–8 in tall and 12–18 in wideXeric / water-wisePlant Select®Deer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Tanacetum densum amani
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–8 in tall and 12–18 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~13–18 in apart
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Plant Select®
- Yes, Colorado's Plant Select® program
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
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 4–8 in tall and 12–18 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 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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 deer-resistant?
- Partridge feather is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Partridge feather a good firewise plant near the house?
- Partridge feather is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- 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.
