Growing Ericameria laricifolia:
Turpentine Bush
Description
Form: Shrub.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow.
Mature Size: 3' (1m) high and 5' (1.5m) wide.
Flowers: Dense, bright-yellow rays and florets of composite flowers, at the ends of stems, cover the entire plant.
Bloom: October through December, depending on temperature, usually for four weeks. This shrub needs cool temperatures in the fall to bloom, which may be delayed or become sporadic with fluctuating temperatures. Blooming is reduced in high rainfall years and may not occur In years with little to no rain.
Fruit: Each floret produces one dried fruit with a single seed (cypsela), with white tufts at one end. The clustered tufts resemble small, closely packed dandelions and are dispersed by the wind.
Leaves: Dense, dark green, very narrow, flat, with a brush-like appearance and turpentine-like smell if crushed. With excess rain or watering, a slight smelly, oily residue can be imparted to the touch. In dry conditions, no oily residue is present.
Stems: Upwardly curved to erect. No thorns.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other insects. This plant is not browsed by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: Turpentine Bush is slightly more flammable than most shrubs. Keep it 15' (4.5m) away from structures.
Origin: The Southwestern United States and Mexico.
Form: Shrub.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow.
Mature Size: 3' (1m) high and 5' (1.5m) wide.
Flowers: Dense, bright-yellow rays and florets of composite flowers, at the ends of stems, cover the entire plant.
Bloom: October through December, depending on temperature, usually for four weeks. This shrub needs cool temperatures in the fall to bloom, which may be delayed or become sporadic with fluctuating temperatures. Blooming is reduced in high rainfall years and may not occur In years with little to no rain.
Fruit: Each floret produces one dried fruit with a single seed (cypsela), with white tufts at one end. The clustered tufts resemble small, closely packed dandelions and are dispersed by the wind.
Leaves: Dense, dark green, very narrow, flat, with a brush-like appearance and turpentine-like smell if crushed. With excess rain or watering, a slight smelly, oily residue can be imparted to the touch. In dry conditions, no oily residue is present.
Stems: Upwardly curved to erect. No thorns.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other insects. This plant is not browsed by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: Turpentine Bush is slightly more flammable than most shrubs. Keep it 15' (4.5m) away from structures.
Origin: The Southwestern United States and Mexico.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 7-10.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun to very light afternoon shade. It becomes leggy and unattractive in part shade.
Soil: Well draining, pH 6.6-7.8 (neutral to slightly alkaline). It looks best in neutral soil.
Water once established: This plant needs only rain after one year in the ground. In severe drought, deep water every other month.
Prune: If looking ragged after five years, cut to the ground in winter. It will grow back in the spring, looking well trimmed.
Litter: No.
Propagation: Fresh seed.
Uses: Ornamental.
USDA hardiness zones: 7-10.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun to very light afternoon shade. It becomes leggy and unattractive in part shade.
Soil: Well draining, pH 6.6-7.8 (neutral to slightly alkaline). It looks best in neutral soil.
Water once established: This plant needs only rain after one year in the ground. In severe drought, deep water every other month.
Prune: If looking ragged after five years, cut to the ground in winter. It will grow back in the spring, looking well trimmed.
Litter: No.
Propagation: Fresh seed.
Uses: Ornamental.
Comments
This plant is a member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). An attractive, tough, hardy, trouble-free shrub, it puts on a spectacular fall show. The butterfly species in the picture is a Variegated Fritillary. The black and white striped insect is a diurnal Tiger Moth known as Ctenucha venosa: Veined Ctenucha.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
This plant is a member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). An attractive, tough, hardy, trouble-free shrub, it puts on a spectacular fall show. The butterfly species in the picture is a Variegated Fritillary. The black and white striped insect is a diurnal Tiger Moth known as Ctenucha venosa: Veined Ctenucha.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.
Latest update: December, 2024
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