Azorella trifurcata

Also Known As

Azorella trifurcata 'Nana'
Bolax glabra 'Nana'
Bolax glebaria (misapplied)
Bolax gummifera 'Nana' (misapplied)
Bolax gummifera (misapplied)
Cushion Plant

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 1"-4"
W: 9"-36"

planting zones

6b-9b

More Options

Azorella trifurcata plant details

Azorella trifurcata is an outstanding plant with an unfortunate bit of confusion surrounding its identity. Often sold under the name Bolax gummifera, or even as Bolax glebaria (an old name for Bolax gummifera), the two plants are similar but have clear differences if you know what to look for. True Bolax gummifera has a tighter, more dome-shaped cushion growth habit. The leaf edges roll up, giving the leaves a cupped look, and the tips are more rounded. The leaves have a rough surface, and the plant has an overall grey-green color. Azorella trifurcata has a more spreading cushion habit. The leaf edges are not rolled up and the tips are sharply pointed. The leaves have a glossy surface, looking almost like plastic, and a rich green color. You may find it sold with or without the cultivar name 'Nana'. This may be a holdover from when it was being sold as Bolax, but it is normal-sized for Azorella trifurcata. We have found no difference between plants sold as Azorella trifurcata and those sold as Azorella trifurcata 'Nana'.

Azorella trifurcata is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover with green foliage. In spring and summer chartreuse and yellow flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Azorella trifurcata

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: apiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 9 IN - 36 IN - wide, 1 IN - 4 IN - tall
Flowers: chartreuse and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: creeping, rock garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Azorella trifurcata

USDA Zones: 6b - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer, rabbit and snail / slug, wind
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Azorella trifurcata 'Nana' is an unusual South American ground covering carrot relative that looks like a shiny, plastic network of small feathery foliage. It even feels like plastic when you touch it! Cushion bolax slowly spreads to form an intriguing mat that sports tiny electric green flowers in summer. It will follow the contours of the ground, develop interesting mounds over time, and flow like green lava over walls. Requires excellent drainage. Likely hardy to zone 4 though there is some disagreement online. Let us know, cold climate gardeners, how it does for you! Also known as Bolax gummifera or B. glebaria.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

From the demanding Strait of Magellan, this slowly-spreading mat is so densely foliaged by its tiny deeply-3-parted (like a birds foot) glossy leaves as to be cushiony... a charming rock garden/border groundcover. S-PSh/M/GDr

By: Forestfarm

From Chile, this very low, creeping, dense and somewhat rubbery plant has finely cut glossy evergreen leaves and small yellow flowers in early and midsummer. Only 1-2 inches tall and 2 feet wide, it forms a nice cushion and a tidy edging for an alpine garden or rockery. Minimum temperature: 0°F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Small yellow flowers bloom on beautiful carpets of glossy green foliage that have a soft feathery appearance. Evergreen.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Those dang taxonomists submerged our beloved Bolax glebaria into this newfangled genus and it jes' turns us into a couple of ornery ol' cusses. Oh well, a name is but an artificial convention that is nowhere near what the plant calls itself. Tight little hummock former for the rock garden.