This group consists of about 28 evergreen, heath-like shrubs found wild in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Cassinia fulvida (Golden Cottonwood, Golden Heather or Heath) is a small, dense shrub with upright growth. Its slender branches are covered with small leaves that have golden undersides giving the plant a tawny-yellow color. The new growths are sticky to touch. In mid-summer, dense terminal heads of white flowers are produced. Cassinia vauvilliersii var. albida (Silver Heather or Heath) resembles the Golden Heather but has taller and more erect growth. The leaves are larger and, along with the stems, are downy white. Its flowers are borne in the summer.

These plants can be grown in mild climates only. They should be planted in the spring, in well-drained sandy loam and leaf mold in a sunny location. Long, straggling shoots can be shortened in April.

Cuttings can be made of side shoots, 11/2 to 2 inches long, which are detached along with a thin 'heel' of old wood. These are inserted in sandy peat under a bell jar, in July or early August.

Cassinia fulvida;
Cassinia vauvilliersii & var. albida;
Cassinia leptophylla.