Last updated on November 29th, 2025 at 05:10 pm
The Turpentine Bush (Ericameria laricifolia). The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, known for its diverse species of flowering plants. It’s native to arid regions, including New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of West Texas, where it thrives in dry, rugged conditions. This hardy bush is a common feature of desert landscapes, adapted to survive with minimal water and intense sunlight.
Its presence adds resilience and life to otherwise harsh environments adapted to the desert Southwest. City, County, and State landscapers use this shrub for their landscaping needs. It is drought-tolerant and requires extraordinarily little maintenance. It can withstand temperatures down to 10°F making it an excellent plant where temperatures are freezing during the winter months but hot dry days during summer.
How did Turpentine Bush Get Its Name?
The Turpentine Bush earned its name from the strong, sticky, turpentine-like aroma released when its foliage is rubbed or brushed against. This natural scent isn’t just distinctive—it’s also highly effective at repelling deer, rabbits, and even javelina (peccary pigs), making it an excellent choice for gardeners dealing with hungry wildlife.
This hardy native shrub thrives in full, intense Southwest sun, where its compact shape and dense foliage stay healthiest. In partial shade or full shade, however, the plant tends to become thin, leggy, and far less vigorous. When grown in its preferred conditions, the Turpentine Bush rewards homeowners with masses of bright yellow blooms that appear in late summer through early fall, adding a burst of color just when many other desert plants begin to slow down. Tough, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, it’s a reliable landscape plant that brings beauty and resilience to any xeriscape garden. It will grow about 3-4 ft. tall and wide.
Plant two, three, or more in a row for a great yellow flowering effect during the late summer. However, it is best not to be placed close to a home-dwelling or building as they are highly flammable. Their stems at the bottom are bare and naked, but the top leaves are dark green during the spring and winter seasons. Crushing the foliage will produce a strong smell—a good plant for Xeriscape or rock gardens.
The Turpentine Bush Water Needs
Use this low-water plant in xeriscape and rock gardens as it does not mind the reflected heat from walls or rocks. It’s perfect for that full sunspot where nothing seems to grow. If you love easy care low plant this one will do just fine. Finding this plant at your local nursery is hard, as most nurseries do not carry it. But if you do find it…get it, plant it, and watch it grow.
Check to see if this plant does well in your Plant Hardiness Zone.
See other desert plant names and pictures.
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