Leptinella pusilla, commonly known as Purple Brass Buttons, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats in New Zealand, including grasslands, bogs, and alpine regions. It forms a low-growing mat reaching a height of about 0.4 feet (0.1 meters) and can spread 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) wide. This plant is characterized by its fine, fern-like foliage which is green with a hint of bronze and takes on a purple tinge in cooler temperatures. The small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in spring and summer and are not particularly showy.

Leptinella pusilla is valued for its ability to form a dense ground cover that can withstand light foot traffic, making it a popular choice for filling gaps between stepping stones or in fairy gardens. It is also used to create a textured look in rock gardens or as an alternative to traditional lawn grass in small areas. In cultivation, it prefers consistently moist soil with good drainage and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can spread vigorously and may need to be contained to prevent it from overtaking adjacent plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0