Now reclassified as Chrysanthemum pacificum, commonly known as the gold and silver chrysanthemum, it is a species of flowering plant in the Aster family.

It's characterised by it's low, mounding growth and striking, deeply lobed, silver variegated foliage.Some gardeners grow it mainly for its foliage, but in late autumn and winter, when other plants have stopped flowering, it is covered with clusters of small, button-like yellow flowers.It is very beneficial to wildlife at this time of year and is often covered with a variety of bees and other insects busily collecting the pollen and nectar.This plant is excellent as a ground cover, as a foliage plant in a border or in a container, we are surprised that it is not more widely grown here.It is an excellent soil stabiliser and will grow between stones and paving.

It thrives in full sun, but some afternoon shade is beneficial. It grows well in all types of soil provided there is good drainage and is drought tolerant in the summer. This plant will reach full height in 2 to 3 years. It spreads over time by underground rhizomes and can reach a width of 1m in a few years. It needs to be cut back hard after flowering to let in light and encourage new growth.

It is native to Japan, where it is endemic to the island of Honshu. Its natural habitat is along the Pacific coast where it often grows on sea cliffs.