Ericameria laricifolia     
Turpentine bush   
Asteraceae Family     

fluffy seed heads on Eracameria laricifolia

Form: small, dense, rounded shrub; uniform mound shape
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 3ft with equal spread; slow growth
Leaves: bright green, small (1/2 to 1in long), needle-like; turpentine smell when crushed
Flowers: entirely covered with composite yellow flowers; bloom in fall; color is long lived and followed by persistent cottony seed calix (fluffy sheaths)
Fruit: plentiful windborne seed; fluffy material remains on plant after seeds have blown away
Stems/Trunks: more woody with age
Range/Origin: Chihuahuan deserts; elevations to 5000ft
Hardiness: to single digits

 

Eracameria laricifolia

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• dramatic fall color (more effective massed)
• rock gardens
• attracts bees
• retains neat shape and bright green color

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun; unattractive and leggy in shade
• Water: low, drought tolerant; if irrigated should be deep and infrequent
• Soil: tolerant, good drainage; found naturally on rocky slopes and well drained mesas
• Propagation: fresh seed
• Maintenance: minimal

NOTES:

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This page was first created September 22, 2001 and last modified August 5, 2005.

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Web page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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