Chrysactinia mexicana

Damianita grows to two feet high and is a bushy, low-growing, aromatic, evergreen shrub with mounded or bouquet-shaped stems rising from a woody base. Leaves are crowded on twigs, dark green, up to 3/8 inches long by 1/16 inches wide, covered with green to black glandular dots visible under a 10x hand lens. The plant is very leafy - the narrow, fragrant leaves are everywhere except on the tips. The peduncles are long. Each flower is solitary, yellow, and composite, and it extends from the branch tips. There are golden yellow flower heads with 8 narrow ray flowers on slender stems at the ends of slender branches, which measure 1 inch across.

It is technically a shrub, but it is used like a flower. It is very drought-tolerant.

Damianita is a drought-tolerant plant with wonderfully aromatic foliage. Mainly it blooms in spring, then on and off again through summer. Older plants may take on a twisted, gnarled appearance. Technically a shrub; used like a flower. Creates a vivid, yellow carpet when massed. Excellent border plant for flower bed or a ground cover for hillsides or hot exposed areas. Prune lightly after bloom periods to shape plant. Requires excellent drainage.

Height: 2'

Spread: 2'

Bloom: Summer to Fall 
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 
Origin: Texas, Southwest & Mexico