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Ericameria linearifolia

narrowleaf goldenbush

Asteraceae Western United States and Mexico

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Ericameria linearifolia is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub in the aster family, native to dry slopes, chaparral, desert margins, and washes of the western United States and Baja California. It forms an upright, rounded mound 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) tall and about as wide, with brittle, resinous stems. The narrow, linear leaves are 0.5-1.5 inches (1.5-4 cm) long, sticky with resin, and give off a scent when crushed. In early to mid spring it is covered in bright yellow daisy-like flower heads about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, each with both ray and disc florets, carried singly at the branch tips. After bloom the heads form fluffy seed clusters tipped with tan bristles. The shrub drops much of its foliage in summer drought, looking sparse and twiggy outside the flowering season. It is highly drought tolerant and grows on poor, rocky soils, but is short-lived and stays denser with cutting back. The spring bloom draws bees and butterflies.

Native Range

Native to the western United States and Baja California, from Oregon and Idaho south through California to Arizona and northern Mexico, on dry slopes, chaparral, desert margins, and washes.

Suggested Uses

Used in dry and desert gardens, chaparral and slope restoration, and xeriscape plantings on poor soils. The early yellow flowers supply nectar and pollen to bees and butterflies. Its drought tolerance suits low-water banks and roadside plantings.

How to Identify

Identify Ericameria linearifolia by its rounded form, narrow resinous leaves that are sticky and scented, and its large solitary yellow daisy heads carried at the branch tips in spring. Each head has both ray and disc florets, unlike the rayless heads of some related goldenbushes. Fluffy, bristle-tipped seed clusters follow the flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 5'

Width/Spread2' - 5'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowering runs through early and mid spring, from March to May. The bright yellow daisy heads open across the shrub over several weeks. Each head matures into a fluffy cluster of seeds carried on tan bristles that scatter on the wind.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on dry, fast-draining sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils of low fertility. It is highly drought tolerant once rooted and needs little or no summer water. A soil pH from 6.5 to 8.0 suits it, and wet or heavy soils shorten its already brief life. Hard frost can damage the soft stems, so it favors mild-winter areas. Cutting back after bloom keeps the short-lived plant dense and renews growth. It has no significant pest or disease problems on open, dry sites.

Pruning

Cut the stems back by about one third after the spring bloom to limit legginess and prompt fresh growth. Dead and broken wood is removed at the base. The short-lived shrubs are replaced from seedlings as older plants fade.

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

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Shrub

Ericameria linearifolia

narrowleaf goldenbush

Asteraceae Western United States and Mexico

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Native Range

Native to the western United States and Baja California, from Oregon and Idaho south through California to Arizona and northern Mexico, on dry slopes, chaparral, desert margins, and washes.