Ericameria bloomeri

Common Names

Bloomer's Goldenbush, Goldenweed, Rabbitbush, Rabbitbrush

Summary

Bloomer's goldenbush is a western North American shrub native from British Columbia to California, typically 20–90 cm tall. Stems are green to reddish brown when young; leaves are threadlike to narrowly oblanceolate, 2–6 cm long and 0.5–4 mm wide, often glandular or resinous. Inflorescences are dense heads in leafy clusters on erect branches; heads contain yellow ray florets (1–5 or absent) and yellow disc florets (4–14), with involucral bracts in 3–6 series and involucres about 7–11 mm tall; fruits are brown, glabrous cypselae with a pappus 6–9 mm long. Flowers bloom in summer to fall (roughly June through October); habitat includes dry rocky slopes and conifer forests at 1000–4000 m.

Cultivation favors sunny, dry conditions and poorly drained soils such as rock crevices; protection from winter wet may be needed in alpine settings. Propagation occurs by seed in spring, barely covered (germination about 1 month at 16–21°C) or by cuttings in late summer. As a native plant of western North America, it suits open slopes and conifer-forest landscapes and provides nectar for butterflies and other Lepidoptera, adding texture with resinous, glandular foliage.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

0.5-3 feet

Spread

8-35 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones Arid Transition and Canadian zones

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Dry, rocky, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Golden, yellow, green to reddish brown when young

Fall Foliage Color

Golden-yellow

Growth Rate

Not specified

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds in spring, Cuttings in late summer

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts butterflies