Ericameria laricifolia (A.Gray) Shinners

Nomenclature and Common Names

Ericameria laricifolia (A.Gray) Shinners is a North American flowering shrub in the Asteraceae family, commonly called turpentine bush or turpentine-brush.

Native Distribution

This species is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, southwestern Utah, southern Nevada, and southeastern California, as well as northern Mexico's state of Chihuahua.

Habitat

It grows in desert scrub and woodland habitats.

General Growth Form

This is a hairless, somewhat glandular, aromatic shrub that reaches 50 to 100 cm (20 to 40 inches) in height.

Foliage Characteristics

It sometimes has bare stems at its base, while its upper branches are densely covered in needle-like, pointed leaves that measure 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long.

Inflorescence and Flower Structure

Its many erect branches hold inflorescences made up of bright golden yellow flower heads, each containing up to 16 long disc florets and up to 6 ray florets.