Turpentine bush is an evergreen shrub native to the southwest U.S. and Mexcio. It has a dense, rounded habit, growing slowly to about 3 feet tall and wide. Tiny light-green to grey-green, needle-like leaves have aroma of turpentine when crushed. Clusters of yellow flowers appear late summer to fall; attracts bees. Flowers are followed by persistent, cottony seed sheaths, which stay on the plant after the seeds have blown away. Use in a rock garden, against the foundation, or in front of low walls, as it appreciates the reflected heat.
Grow in full sun and well drained soil. It gets leggy in shady sites or with too much moisture. Doesn't require irrigating once it's established; if irrigated it should be deep and infrequent. Found on rocky slopes and well-drained mesas in the Chihuahuan desert. Takes reflected heat. Frost tolerant to 5 F. Prefers a gravel mulch. May also be listed as Haplopappus laricifolius.