Turpentine Bushes: Pollution's Unseen Victims

Turpentine bushes, also known as larchleaf golden weed, are fragrant evergreen shrubs that are native to mountainous and desert regions of the southwestern United States. They are characterised by their dense clusters of tiny yellow flowers and short, leathery, olive-green leaves that give off a lemony scent when rubbed. While turpentine bushes are resilient and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, they are not immune to the effects of pollution. The impact of pollution on turpentine bushes can be explored through various lenses, including air pollution, soil contamination, and water pollution.

Turpentine bushes may grow out of control after periods of rain

Turpentine bushes are native to the southwestern United States and north-central Mexico. They are well-suited to dry, desert conditions and can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F. These hardy shrubs are drought-tolerant and rarely need watering. In fact, they thrive in poor, dry soils that are low in organic matter, such as sandy soil or soil containing limestone.

However, turpentine bushes are susceptible to overgrowth if exposed to too much moisture. Growing them in moist conditions or watering them too frequently can cause them to grow out of control. This is particularly true after periods of rain, when they may experience rapid and uncontrolled growth. Therefore, it is recommended to water turpentine bushes sparingly and only during extended dry spells.

The potential for overgrowth is an important consideration when planting turpentine bushes. They can grow up to 6 feet tall, and their rampant reseeding nature means they may start growing in unexpected places in the garden. Regular pruning is necessary to keep them from overtaking other plants.

Despite their potential for uncontrolled growth, turpentine bushes are a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to their fragrant evergreen leaves and dense clusters of yellow flowers. They are also a good source of food and shelter for desert wildlife, attracting rabbits, birds, butterflies, and pollinating insects.

The bushes rarely need water and never need fertiliser

The turpentine bush is a hardy plant that rarely needs water and never needs fertiliser. This is because it is native to mountainous and desert regions of the southwestern US and north-central Mexico, where it is accustomed to dry, nutrient-poor soils.

The turpentine bush (Ericameria laricifolia) is a sun-loving, evergreen shrub. It is slow-growing and usually reaches a height of 1-3 feet, though it can grow as tall as 6 feet. It has a spread of around 3 feet and is tolerant of full sun and drought conditions. The bush is covered in small, dark green, needle-like leaves and blooms with bright yellow flowers in the fall. The foliage gives off a lemony scent when lightly rubbed, but when crushed, it smells like turpentine.

Turpentine bushes are well-suited to xeriscaping, a form of landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. They perform well as groundcover, low hedges, or foundation plants and are excellent for rock gardens. They are also attractive to pollinators and can provide food and shelter for desert wildlife.

While turpentine bushes rarely need water, they may grow out of control after periods of rain. In lower elevations, they should be planted in spring or fall, while in higher elevations, spring is the best time to plant. Young plants should be watered weekly until established, and then monthly. Too much water will reduce blooming, so it is important to water sparingly once the bush is established.

They are native to mountainous and desert regions of the southwestern US

Turpentine bushes, scientifically known as Ericameria laricifolia, are native to the mountainous and desert regions of the southwestern United States. They are commonly found in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, southwestern Utah, southern Nevada, and southeastern California. These shrubs are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of their native habitat, thriving in poor, dry, sandy soils with little organic material and withstanding temperatures as low as 10°F.

The turpentine bush is a resilient evergreen shrub that can grow to a height of 1-3 feet, occasionally reaching up to 6 feet. It is characterised by its needle-like, pointed leaves that are densely packed towards the tips of the stems. The foliage of the turpentine bush gives off a distinct lemony scent when lightly rubbed, reminiscent of turpentine when crushed. This unique fragrance is how the shrub got its name.

Being native to arid regions, the turpentine bush is remarkably drought-tolerant and rarely needs watering or fertilising. In fact, it prefers poor, dry soils and can grow out of control if exposed to excessive moisture. The shrub is also known for its pest resistance, thanks to its strong-scented resin, which repels deer and rabbits.

The turpentine bush produces vibrant displays of colour throughout the year. In early autumn, it bursts into clouds of yellow flowers, which then morph into white, dandelion-like puffs before fading to tan seed heads. This long period of blooming and seed production makes the turpentine bush an excellent food and shelter source for desert wildlife, attracting birds, rabbits, and butterflies.

While the turpentine bush is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of its native habitat, it is sensitive to certain pollutants in the environment. The turpentine oil extracted from pine trees, which shares the shrub's name, has been studied as a potential alternative fuel to address energy and environmental issues. The use of fossil fuels has led to global pollution, climate change, and ecological disasters. As such, the impact of pollution on the turpentine bush and its surrounding ecosystem is a concern, particularly given the shrub's preference for arid conditions.

They are a great xeriscape plant and perform well as a knee-high ground cover or low hedge

Turpentine bushes can be affected by pollution in a number of ways. Firstly, as a source of terpenes, they are vulnerable to atmospheric reactions with ozone, which can cause a blue haze. While this is a natural occurrence, it is exacerbated by human activity. Further, turpentine bushes are susceptible to damage from air pollution, particularly the fumes caused by the use of rosin cores in soldering operations.

Turpentine bushes can make a great addition to a xeriscape garden. With their ability to withstand drought conditions and resist damage from freezing, they are well-suited for low-maintenance landscapes. Here are some reasons why they perform well as a knee-high ground cover or low hedge:

• Drought tolerance: Turpentine bushes are resilient in dry climates and can go long periods without needing additional water, making them ideal for areas with water scarcity.
• Low maintenance: As native plants, they have adapted to local conditions and are naturally resistant to common diseases, herbivores, and freezing. This reduces the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• Soil adaptability: Turpentine bushes can adapt to a variety of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and well-drained soils. This makes them versatile for different landscaping needs.
• Aesthetic appeal: With their bright flowers and fragrant leaves, turpentine bushes attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity and a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Erosion control: The deep root system of turpentine bushes helps manage rainwater runoff, preventing soil erosion and compaction. This makes them ideal for slopes, rock gardens, and retaining walls.
• Size and shape: The compact size and spreading growth habit of turpentine bushes make them well-suited for ground cover or low hedges. They can be planted close together to create a dense cover, providing effective weed suppression.
• Hardiness: With a good balance of sun and partial shade, turpentine bushes can thrive in various climates, making them suitable for a wide range of geographical locations.

By incorporating turpentine bushes into a xeriscape design, homeowners can create an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing landscape that promotes biodiversity and sustainable living.

They are a good source of food and shelter for desert wildlife

The turpentine bush, scientifically known as Ericameria laricifolia, is a great source of food and shelter for desert wildlife. Native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, this sun-loving shrub is well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the southwestern United States and north-central Mexico. With its ability to withstand scorching desert heat and temperatures as low as 10°F, the turpentine bush provides a much-needed haven for the local fauna.

The turpentine bush typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet, but it can reach up to 6 feet under certain conditions. Its evergreen leaves have a unique fragrance, emitting a lemony scent when lightly rubbed. However, when crushed, these leaves release a strong turpentine odour, giving the plant its name. The short, leathery, olive-coloured leaves cluster towards the tips of the stems and turn a golden hue in the fall, providing an attractive food source for rabbits and other herbivores.

The turpentine bush is also a haven for birds and butterflies, which are drawn to its dense clusters of tiny yellow flowers that bloom well into the fall. These flowers eventually transform into white, dandelion-like puffs before fading into tan seed heads, offering an extended food source for nectar-feeding creatures. The bush's ability to thrive in poor, dry soils, including sandy and limestone-rich soils, makes it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens and landscapes in arid regions.

In addition to its value as a food source, the turpentine bush also serves as a shelter for desert wildlife. Its dense foliage provides cover for small animals seeking protection from predators or harsh weather conditions. The bush's tolerance for reflected sunlight and drought conditions makes it a resilient addition to rock gardens and other challenging environments. Furthermore, the turpentine bush is a rampant reseeder, ensuring its presence and availability as a food and shelter source for desert wildlife.

Overall, the turpentine bush plays a crucial role in supporting the delicate balance of desert ecosystems. By providing both food and shelter, it helps sustain a diverse range of animal life in some of the most extreme environments on Earth.

Frequently asked questions