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Strawflower — flower
Aster family (Asteraceae)NE · Chưa xếp hạng

Strawflower

Xerochrysum bracteatum (Vent.) Tzvelev

Also known asStrawflower, everlasting daisy, paper daisy

Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) is an annual or short-lived perennial aster, 20-80 cm tall; narrow leaves, bright yellow-orange flower heads with stiff papery bracts, widely grown for dried flowers and as an ornamental.

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Oct 13, 2026
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Overview

**Strawflower** (Xerochrysum bracteatum), also called **everlasting daisy** or **paper daisy**, is an **annual or short-lived perennial** herb of Asteraceae, 20-80 cm tall. **Leaves** are alternate, narrow-lanceolate, finely hairy, greyish-green. The **flower heads** are 3-6 cm across, with numerous stiff, dry, papery **bracts** in bright yellow, orange or gold — the trait that keeps them looking fresh when dried. Native to **Australia**, it is widely cultivated worldwide.

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/13/2026

Strawflower is prized mainly as a **dried cut flower** for its long-lasting colour; also used as an **ornamental** in sunny beds and borders, preferring well-drained soil. Not evaluated by IUCN (**NE**).

Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/13/2026

Life cycle

From seed to product

Germination

Seeds germinate readily in warm, sunny conditions.

Growth

Fast-growing, forms a low, branching bush.

Flowering

Blooms spring to autumn, with bright **papery bract** heads.

Fruiting & drying

Forms cypselae; bracts retain colour when **dried**.

Distribution & origin

Share of recorded occurrences by region
  • Australia (native)50%
  • Europe (cultivated)20%
  • North America (cultivated)20%
  • Asia (cultivated)10%

Chemical composition

Relative content in agarwood resin
  • FlavonoidsAntioxidant40%
  • PhenolicsAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory30%
  • Essential oilAromatic compounds15%
  • Polysaccharides15%

Uses

  • Dried flowers: **flower heads** retain colour and shape when air-dried, used in dried bouquets and decorations.
  • Ornamental: for beds, borders, pots; thrives in full sun with low water.
  • Wildlife gardens: attracts bees and butterflies; suitable for low-water gardens.
  • Decorative crafts: dried heads used in wreaths, cards and handicrafts.
  • Dry climates: very drought-tolerant, suits arid/semi-arid gardens.

Properties

Morphology
Herbaceous, narrow grey-green leaves; **heads with dry papery bracts** yellow-orange
Trait
**Everlasting** — bracts retain form/colour when dried
Habitat
Full sun, well-drained soil, drought-tolerant
Use
Excellent for **dried bouquets** and arrangements

Habitat & conservation

Strawflower prefers **full sun**, loose, well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant; native to dry grasslands, coastal areas and rocky sites of **Australia**, now widely grown.

Conservation

Not threatened; a common cultivated species. Not evaluated by the IUCN (**NE**).

References

  1. 1POWO — Xerochrysum bracteatum (Vent.) Tzvelev — Kew POWO, 2026
  2. 2GBIF — Xerochrysum bracteatum (Vent.) Tzvelev (key 3102871) — GBIF, 2026
  3. 3Wikipedia EN — Xerochrysum bracteatum — Wikipedia EN, 2026
  4. 4Wikipedia VI — Hoa bất tử — Wikipedia VI, 2026
  5. 5Wikipedia ZH — 蜡菊 — Wikipedia ZH, 2026
  6. 6Wikimedia Commons — Xerochrysum bracteatum — Wikimedia Commons, 2026
  7. 7Atlas of Living Australia — Xerochrysum bracteatum — ALA, 2026
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