Description

Menzies’ goldenbush is a tough member of dry plant communities in coastal and interior coastal areas from the SF Bay Area south into Baja. The several varieties all share shiny, fleshy leaves and bright yellow flowers. The sedoides variety occurs along the immediate coast from San Luis Obispo County south. It has round leaves that cover the plant fairly densely. This coastal form ranges from just a few inches in height to about two feet, depending on the population. My plants (from the Theodore Payne Foundation) appear to be on the taller end of the range. Menzies’ goldenbush thrives in full sun or light shade in soil of at least medium drainage. Certainly this is among the hardiest of California’s native shrubs, and so is a great choice for a groundcover in difficult areas.