Biottallet

Biottallet is a herbaceous perennial plant in the Asteraceae family, native to alpine meadows of the central European mountains and surrounding regions. It is valued in ornamental gardening for its tall, airy inflorescences and its appeal to pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Description and morphology

The plant typically reaches 40–90 cm in height and has branched stems with a reddish to green hue. Leaves are lanceolate, up to about 12 cm long, and feature modest serration along the margins. The inflorescence is a loose panicle bearing heads of small composite flowers. Each head presents lavender to blue-lilac ray florets surrounding a bright yellow disk, giving a two-toned, daisy-like appearance. Biottallet flowers from June to August. Seeds are equipped with a light pappus that aids wind dispersal.

Habitat and distribution

Biottallet is native to calcareous alpine meadows in the Alps, Carpathians, and nearby mountain regions. In cultivation, it has been introduced to temperate gardens worldwide, particularly in rock gardens and perennial borders. It favors full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of cold winters. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.

Cultivation and uses

Propagation is commonly through seed sown in spring or by division in early autumn. In gardens, Biottallet is used for its vertical accent, texture, and mid-to-late-summer bloom. It tends to be low-maintenance, with occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote air circulation. It is not considered invasive in most climates and supports pollinator diversity in wildlife-friendly plantings.

Taxonomy and name

Biottallet is a member of the Asteraceae family, related to other daisies and sunflowers. The name Biottallet is used in horticultural literature to designate this species, with etymology reflecting a coined combination of life-related imagery and a tuft-like floral form.