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Turpentine Bush

Ericameria laricifolia

Turpentine Bush
Shrubs

A low, rounded desert native with fine, bright green foliage that smells resinous when brushed. It covers itself in golden yellow flowers in fall, when few other shrubs bloom. It asks for almost nothing once established.

Medium
Full sunpreferred
YellowFall
Ask a designer about it
Mature sizeAbout 2′ tall, 3′ wide
Growth rateModerate
Water useVery low once established
SunFull sun
BloomGolden yellow clusters, late summer into fall
Cold hardinessAbout 5°F
FoliageFine, needle-like, bright green and aromatic
LitterLow; no thorns

Living with it in the Phoenix Valley

Watering

Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide while it establishes. After that, keep it lean: this desert native needs very little supplemental water and stays tidier and longer-lived without it.

Pruning

Little is needed. A light trim after bloom removes spent flowers and keeps it compact.

Wildlife

Butterflies and other pollinators visit the fall flowers. Rabbits usually pass it by.

How our designers use it

Fall color

It fills the gap in late season when most desert shrubs have finished blooming.

Low massing

Planted in drifts, it makes a soft green ground layer between boulders, cacti and agaves.

Native gardens

It suits naturalistic plantings and transitions to open desert.

Good to know

Around the pool

Low litter and no thorns. Bees and butterflies visit in fall bloom.

Pairs well with

Similar plants

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