Bupleurum fruticosum aka Shrubby Hare's Ear

Bupleurum fruticosum, or shrubby hare's ear, is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to the Apiaceae family. Kew places its native range in the western and central Mediterranean. Other sources give a wider range around that sea. They include southern Europe, northwest Africa, and parts of western Asia. It grows on sunny hills, beside walls, and among rocks. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The shrub has a bushy shape with spreading growth. Garden plants reach about 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall and wide. The RHS also describes plants around 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall. Long, thin stems carry blue-green leaves through the year. The leaves reach about 0.26 feet [0.08 metres] long. Tiny yellow flowers form rounded clusters above the foliage. Each cluster can span about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres]. Flowers appear in summer and continue into early autumn. Growth is slow, with maturity reached in five to ten years.

Give this shrub full sun and a warm, sheltered spot. A south-facing or west-facing site suits its needs. It grows in well-drained chalk, loam, or sand. Soil may be acid, neutral, or alkaline. It accepts dry to moist conditions, but drainage matters. The RHS rates its hardiness as H4. This covers winter lows around 14–23°F [-10 to -5°C]. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 6–9. These ratings use different systems and should be read in context.

Its lasting foliage gives structure to borders and small gardens. The RHS suggests coastal, gravel, courtyard, and wildlife gardens. It also suits informal beds and borders beside walls. Growers can cut the flowers for indoor use. Plants For A Future recommends it for wind-shelter hedges near the sea. This use contrasts with the RHS preference for shelter. It can also form tall ground cover. For this use, space plants about 4 feet [1.2 metres] apart. Its slow growth means cover takes time to fill out.

The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. The shrub tolerates hard pruning when growth needs control. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame during spring. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer as another way to raise plants. Plants For A Future lists no known edible or medicinal uses. It also records no known hazards. That lack of reported hazards does not establish that it is edible. The same source does not flag it as weedy.