A low, fine-textured native of West Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico, covered in golden yellow daisies in spring and again in fall. The dark green, needle-like leaves are aromatic, and it thrives in hot, sunny spots on lean water.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It needs well-drained soil, and root rot in soil that stays wet, especially in summer, is the main way it fails. A little extra water in summer can stretch the bloom.
Pruning
Lightly shear off spent flower stems in early spring or fall, and remove woody sections that no longer leaf out. A light touch keeps it tight and vigorous.
Heat
It handles reflected heat well, though it can look tired during stretches above 110°F until temperatures ease.
Lifespan
It is a fairly short-lived perennial. Expect to replace a plant now and then as older ones get woody.
How our designers use it
Edging
Its neat, rounded form lines walks, driveways and bed edges with fine texture and bright color.
Massed color
Planted in groups, it carpets a sunny area in gold in spring and fall, including hot spots near walls and pavement.
With cactus and desert trees
It sits well under palo verdes and beside golden barrels and desert spoon, all on similar lean water.
Good to know
Around the pool
No thorns and low litter make it comfortable beside a pool deck. Its flowers do draw bees and butterflies during bloom.
Rabbits
Rabbits usually leave it alone, which helps in neighborhoods near open desert.
