Ericameria Linearifolia, Linear Leaf Golden Bush

Flowerheads of ericameria linearifolia are hemispherical in shape, and rather broader than the similar ericameria laricifolia, which occupies much of the same region. The linear, leaf-like phyllaries are dark green, glandular, arranged in 2 or 3 rows, and stay pressed against the involucre. Ray florets number 12 to 18, about half an inch in length, and curving well back when mature, sometimes rolling up. The center of the flower is formed of between 16 and 60 disc florets, with protruding stigmas. Flowers are borne singly at the top of the stems, which grow close together, so when in full bloom the plant appears to be uniformly yellow.

Stems and leaves can be hairless or slightly hairy, but always have a resinous coating. Leaves are concentrated around the upper end of the many branched stems, which lower down are woody, often retaining dead leaves from the previous season.