1. Saw-tooth Goldenbush – Hazardia squarrosa var. grindelioides
(has-ARR-dee-uh square-OH-suh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Coastal areas and interior valleys of SW CA; ocean-influenced Chaparral or Coastal
Scrub, Coastal scrub and strand.
Native to:
clumping sub-shrub
mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Short-lived drought-deciduous sub-shrub with branches from a woody base. Var. grindelioides has
fairly erect stems/branches.
Leaves are bright to dark green, small, holly-like (prickly) and
clustered densely around the stems. Foliage distinctive, attractive.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: Blooms primarily in late summer through fall in our area (Aug-Oct). Small yellow
‘sunflower’ flowerheads are clustered at the ends of branches. Very showy in bloom.
light, wind-distributed seed with fluffy hairs.
Fruits is a
Uses in the garden: A staple in coastal strand/coastal shrub habitat gardens.
Good for erosion
control on banks and dunes. Great habitat plant. Welcome fall color at a time when many gardens
look a little bland. Good plant for fall butterflies, other insects. Will reseed.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubby sunflowers, asters, chrysanthemums.
Attracts: Excellent insect habitat in fall; attracts lots of butterflies. Birds will eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun along coast; light shade or afternoon sun ok, particularly in hot gardens
Tolerates any, though happiest in sandy, well-drained soils; alkali soils are fine
Occasional summer water once established keeps it looking good (Zone 2)
None needed
Easy to grow with little care. Cut back yearly in winter (after seed has set) to about
6-10 inches above the ground. Will re-sprout with winter rains. Will reseed on bare ground.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: pre-chill may increase germination
by cuttings: probably ? late spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24
12/5/10
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