Ericameria linearifolia aka Interior Goldenbush

Ericameria linearifolia is a dense shrub in the daisy family. This family is called Asteraceae. The shrub is native to the southwestern and south-central United States. Its range also reaches northern Baja California in Mexico. It has a low, wide shape, narrow leaves, and yellow flowers. It can reach 5 feet [1.5 metres] tall. Its width often far exceeds its height. The source gives no fixed limit for its spread. Many old, dead twigs stay within the dense growth. They help form its shape, along with younger stems.

The leaves are simple: each has one blade, not separate leaflets. They grow at alternate points along each stem. Each leaf is very narrow and gray-green in color. Leaves are 0.5–2 inches [0.013–0.051 metres] long. The plant sheds its leaves in times of drought. Its leaf cover thus changes as dry weather sets in. Young twigs are thin, round, and light green. They turn light brown as they age. Bark ranges from reddish brown to gray-brown. As bark ages, it forms darker ridges with scales. Young stems thus differ in color from older wood.

Bright yellow flowers with a daisy-like shape bloom in spring. Each flower head is about 0.75 inches [0.019 metres] across. Flowers grow along the stems in the leaf axils. These are the points where leaves join the stem. The source calls the species monoecious. The fruits are light brown achenes, with angled or ribbed sides. Each fruit has a fluffy tuft, much like a dandelion. These small fruits contrast with the bright spring blooms. Dry flower parts stay on the plant after seeds spread. Stems can thus keep flower remains past seed release.

The source describes the shrub's form but says little about care. It notes leaf loss from drought, not when to water gardens. It gives no tested range for cold hardiness. It names no preferred soil or light needs for garden growth. Its broad, dense shape and spring blooms define its look. Old dead twigs and lasting flower parts also shape it. The sources give no specific landscape uses or pruning tips. They report no pests, diseases, edible parts, or findings on toxicity.