Asteriscus is a genus of flowering plants in the family of Asteraceae. The genus comprises 11 species of flowering plants native to the Mediterranean region (South Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East) and Macaronesia(Azores, Madeira Islands, Canary Islands,  Cape Verde).

Asteriscus sericeus is an endemic to the island of Fuerteventura of Canary Islands. The plant grows in the mountainous northern part of the Fuerteventura Island, on rocks from the coast up to an elevation of 700 meters. It has long been used in cultivation as an ornamental plant, on several of the other islands in the chain, including Gran Canaria, Tenerife and El Hierro.

The genus name comes from the Greek word ‘asteriskos‘ meaning ‘small star’ in reference to the shape of flowers. The epithet comes from Latin word ‘sericum‘ meaning ‘silk’ in reference to the soft silky hairs covering the leaves and stems. Odontospermum sericeus and Nauplius sericeus are the old names of this plant.

Canary Island Daisy is an evergreen, silver-foliaged shrub, grows up to 100 cm tall and 120 cm wide. It has dark grey stems.   Broadly lanceolate leaves are 2-6 cm long, light silver green colour. The soft leaves are covered with fine silver hairs which give them a silky texture. They can bloom from late winter to early summer with a scattered bloom later in mild coastal climates. The showy yellow flowers are up to 7 cm diameter.

Asteriscus sericeus needs full or half-shade exposure. It is not particular about the soil, they can be grown in poor, sandy soil, but prefer good drainage. Plant resists the heat of the Mediterranean summer and the cold up to -6 ºC. It’s a drought resistant plant, needs moderate watering.

Propagation may be done by seed or by cuttings. Prune lightly after flowering to remove wilted flowers for a more compact appearance.  The nice shape of the shrub will continue about 5 years, followed by a more open but still interesting look and it will often renew itself from seed. Plants are resistant to pests and diseases.

Use in Landscape: Canary Island Daisy is an attractive plant for Mediterranean coastal gardens. It is a great plant for the dry garden; for use as a separate specimen or grouped alongside other dry growing shrubs and succulents. They are used to cover sunny slopes, in rockeries and rock gardens. Also it is a good plant for pots that to be used to decorate balconies and terraces.

Asteriscus sericeus is a great addition to the Butterfly Garden where it attracts many species of butterflies.