1. Mock Heather/CA Goldenbush – Ericameria ericoides
(er-ik-a-MARE-ee-uh er-i-KOI-dees)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Northern CA to Los Angeles Co. coast; on sand dunes or in sandy areas including coastal
dunes, coastal strand to coastal sage scrub.
This is an early (pioneer) shrub on coastal dunes.
woody shrub
mature height: 1-5 ft.
mature width: 1-5 ft.
Mounded woody evergreen shrub with many stiff branches. Shape variable – mounded to upright.
Leaves dark green, short, and needle-like (like heather – hence the common name).
Foliage is
sticky. Short-lived. May reseed on bare ground.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms primarily in fall (Aug-Nov.). Flowers are small, yellow, in heads typical of
the Sunflower family (both ray and disk flowers). More subtle than some other fall-blooming shrubs,
but quite attractive. Fruits are small wind-born seeds with fluffy hairs.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most commonly used as a specimen plant in dune-habitat gardens. Good for
erosion control on banks, hillsides and dunes. Can be pruned for a low hedge or shrub.
background shrub in backs of beds, where it provides some fall color.
Fine
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs
Excellent insect food source in fall. Nectar will attract butterflies. Also provides cover
and seeds for seed-eating birds.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun on coast; light shade in hot gardens
Sandy; requires very well-drained soils
No summer water once established (Zone 1)
none
Tolerates salt-spray
The key to success is well-drained soil and no summer water – susceptible to soil
fungus. Can prune back to 6 inches above old (woody) growth in fall to shape.
Management:
Propagation:
from seed:
low germination rates
by cuttings:
probably – before or after
blooming
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 10, 16
11/29/10
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