Chrysactinia mexicana (Damianita)

Noted for its drought tolerance and wonderfully aromatic foliage, Chrysactinia mexicana (Damianita) is a showy evergreen shrub forming a low, bushy mound of aromatic, narrow, needle-like, dark green leaves. Blooming profusely in spring and fall, then on and off during the high summer heat, attractive golden yellow daisies, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), cover the plant, forming a vivid, yellow bouquet. Borne singly at the top of slender stems, the flower heads feature 8 narrow rays surrounding a small yellow central disk. Tough, heat, cold and drought tolerant, Damianita creates a brilliant, yellow carpet when massed. An excellent border plant, this desert plant is also very useful as a ground cover for erosion control on slopes and terrific in desert or rock gardens.

• Grows up to 2 ft. tall and wide (60 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in dry, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soil. Good soil drainage is critical. Supplemental water in summer promotes more bloom.
• Excellent choice for beds and borders, prairies and meadows, as a ground cover for hillsides or hot exposed areas.
• Robust, low maintenance, pest and disease free, Damianita is also drought tolerant and deer resistant.
• Prune lightly after flowering to shape plant.
• Sow seed in spring, or take softwood cuttings in summer.
• Native from New Mexico, Texas.