Palmer's Goldenbush

Ericameria palmeri

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Ericameria
Species:
Ericameria palmeri
USDA Symbol:
ERPA15

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
sep,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★★★ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Cucullia dammersi

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from root crown following fire; typical of chaparral and coastal sage scrub species.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in coastal chaparral and desert scrub.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; light may improve germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI