Ericameria palmeri, commonly known as Palmer’s goldenbush, is a perennial shrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub communities of southern California in the United States and to Baja California in Mexico. It can grow over 13 feet tall, with a typical width of 5 to 8 feet, forming a rounded and somewhat sprawling shape. The leaves are linear to narrowly oblanceolate, with a resinous texture that helps the plant conserve water. From late summer to fall, it produces numerous small, bright yellow flower heads that are showy and attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The flowers consist of both ray and disc florets, which are typical of the Asteraceae family.

Palmer’s goldenbush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in nutrient-poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a border shrub, or for erosion control on slopes. In cultivation, it requires minimal water once established and prefers full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or to remove any dead wood. It is not known to have significant disease or pest issues, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0