California brickellbush is a woody perennial shrub native to much of the southwest United States and northern Mexico. It grows 2-4 feet tall and wide, with many slender branches arising from the root crown or short stems underground. Its foliage is often white and hairy while its bark is paper-like. From August to October, it produces small, fragrant yellow-green flowers in drooping bunches that perfume a large area, though the aroma cannot be smelled up close. The shrub is often used in native plant gardens for its attractive flowers and structure, and was used medicinally by Native Californians.