DWARF GOLDENBUSH

Stenotus acaulis

Sunflower Family (Compositae)

This tidy little plant is widely distributed at low to middle elevations throughout most of our region. It is usually found on shallow soils or rock outcrops with little competition from other plants. It is a low plant with a compact, rounded growth form and narrow, leathery, pointed leaves in clusters at the base. It is very attractive when it flowers in mid to late spring. Showy yellow daisies on short stems cover the entire plant. These are followed by silvery balls of seeds. Dwarf goldenbush will volunteer from seed—to prevent this, it is easiest to strip the dry seeds into a bag and leave the star-shaped receptacles, which are themselves quite ornamental, behind.
This plant is drought-hardy but not too picky about soils, in spite of its preference for rocky soils in nature. It makes an excellent rock garden plant and also performs well as a low border. It looks great planted with Utah ladyfinger milkvetch and fragrant evening primrose.