Description

The cliff goldenbush is found in exposed, rocky areas in interior mountains from Placer County south into the Southwest and Mexico. It grows as a rounded shrub of apple-green to about three feet or so. Although most goldenbush species have narrow, needle-like leaves, those of the cliff goldenbush are rounded. The leaves are quite resinous, which aids water retention. The spring bloom is a conspicuous flourish of small, tightly spaced bright yellow flowers. The cliff goldenbush prefers a sunny site with well-draining soil. Water only occasionally or not at all. With no supplemental water, cliff goldenbush will die back slightly but will remain green.