Isocoma menziesii, commonly known as Menzies’ goldenbush, is a perennial subshrub native to coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and dunes along the coast of California and Baja California. It typically forms a matted bush up to 7 feet tall and wide, with a woody base and herbaceous growth. The stems range from gray-green to reddish-brown, and the leaves are oval-shaped, sometimes with toothed margins. From late summer to fall, it produces dense clusters of small, bright yellow disc florets with protruding long stigmas, which are highly attractive to pollinators.

Menzies’ goldenbush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It is often used in native plant gardens, as a border planting, or for erosion control on slopes. This plant prefers full sun and requires minimal water once established, reflecting its adaptation to arid coastal environments. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0