Coyote Brush is often found clinging to coastal bluffs or anchoring inland hillsides. This woody shrub reaches from two to 10 feet in height and width.
Coyote Brush plants grow in two genders (known as dioecious). Male plants produce yellowish, pollen-heavy flowers, while female plants produce white, fluffy, cloud-like seed heads in the fall.
While no plant is truly fireproof, Coyote Brush is known for being relative fire retardant. The high salt and moisture content in its leaves makes Coyote Brush a popular choice for "fire-wise" landscaping in California.
In the autumn, the female Coyote Brush plants release massive amounts of white, cottony seeds. These are so soft that early pioneers and indigenous groups reportedly used them as stuffing for saddles and pillows. When these seeds are being released, the entire bush looks unkempt, grayish, and "furry" like a coyote!
Photo by Chris Wagner
Photo by Don Blohowiak
Coyote Brush relies on
Sun
Water
Nutrients