Identifying Characteristics: Grows to ~3’-5’ high and ~3’-5’ wide with flower stalks to ~9’ Leaves are bluish-gray-green to silver Bark is ruddy green to grayish Spring flowers are lavender-tinged-white
Landscape Values: Moderate to rapid growth rate Scent is pleasant to most people Attractive evergreen foliage plant (e.g. when out of bloom) Strongly attracts native bees, honey bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds
Horticultural Requirements: Full sun Drought-tolerant but tolerates garden watering Grows well from the back dunes to the mountains Requires good drainage Neutral soil (pH 6.0-8.0) Tip-prune intermittently for compactness Remove spent flower stalks after songbirds take the seeds Structural (drop) pruning in winter, leaving foliage on each branch
Native Range: Southwestern California to Northwestern Baja California
Uses by Native Americans: Medicinal Ceremonial Food (seeds)
For more information about the N/E/X/T/Garden, where this Featured Native Plant grows, click here. For additional information about this Featured Native Plant, email: Info@PalisadesBeautiful.org.