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Hazardia spp.
bristleweed
Overview
Hazardia spp. is a genus of about 12 species of evergreen shrubs and subshrubs in the daisy family, Asteraceae, native to California and Baja California. Plants grow 1-5 feet (0.3-1.5 m) tall with stiff, often resinous stems and leathery, toothed leaves 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) long that range from green to grey-green. From late summer into fall the stems carry small flower heads about 0.4-0.6 inch (1-1.5 cm) across, with yellow disk florets and, in some species, short yellow rays that can age to reddish. The heads cluster toward the branch tips and ripen into tufted, wind-borne seed. Members of the genus occupy coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and rocky bluffs, including several of the Channel Islands, where summers are dry. Roots reach deep for moisture, so established plants tolerate drought but recover slowly from hard cutting. The resinous foliage has a sharp scent when crushed.
Native Range
Native to the California Floristic Province of western North America, from coastal and southern California south into Baja California, including several Channel Islands. Plants grow in coastal scrub, chaparral, and on rocky slopes and bluffs.Suggested Uses
Used in native, coastal, and low-water gardens, spaced 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 m) apart on banks and in mixed dry plantings. The late-season yellow heads support pollinators after many shrubs have finished. Plants also stabilize loose slopes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread1' - 4'
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, aging reddish in some speciesFoliage Description
green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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