Turpentinebush

Ericameria laricifolia

Formerly Haplopappus laricifolius. Compact broadly rounded evergreen shrub up to 3 ft. tall with small golden yellow flowers, blooming August to December. Resinous leaves have an odor similar to turpentine when crushed. Occurs on rocky well-drained soils of desert mountains, slopes, mesas and canyons; 2,000 to 7,000 ft. elevation. Found within Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) desert scrub, semidesert grasslands and pinyon-juniper woodland communities throughout the desert southwest. Poor forage palatability but useful for reclamation. Popular in low-grow xeriscape landscapes for its fall season flowers. Attracts bees, numerous late season butterflies and other nectar-loving insects.