Turpentine Bush

Name: Turpentine Bush
Brand: Outdoor Dream Builders

Ericameria laricifolia

A compact, fragrant Sonoran Desert native with yellow blooms in late summer and fall that support local wildlife.

Hardy in USDA zones 7-11; a multi-desert native tolerant of cold mid-desert winters and extreme low-desert heat, evergreen and unprotected.

AMWUA Notes

A very-low-water aromatic native that blooms in fall after monsoons; needs no supplemental irrigation once established.

Care Guide

💧Watering

Very drought tolerant; water monthly at most in summer once established and it survives on rainfall alone.

✂️Pruning

Shear or head back lightly in early spring to keep the fine-needled mound dense and tidy; it takes shaping well but needs little.

🌱Fertilizing

No fertilizer needed in native soil.

🛡️Pests

Pest-free; the resinous, turpentine-scented foliage deters browsing.

☀️Seasonal Notes

Evergreen with aromatic needle-like leaves; it covers itself in golden flowers in late summer and fall, a key late-season nectar source after monsoon rains.

Soil, Feeding & Propagation

🪨Soil

Rocky, gravelly, fast-draining soils; thrives in caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5.

💧Drainage

Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.

🌰Propagation

From seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.

📐Spacing

2-3 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

Shallow, non-aggressive roots; safe near pools and paths.

Placement Tips

•A neat 2 ft by 3 ft mound; space 2-3 ft apart and mass for a fall-blooming golden groundcover effect.
•Its fine green texture and low litter make it a clean edger for paths, pools, and patios.
•Excellent filler among boulders, cacti, and accents in a native design.
•Plant in full sun with sharp drainage; it thrives on hot, rocky exposures.