Description

California’s acmispon genus ranges throughout the state with many forms, from low groundcover to upright, open shrubs. All species share compound leaves with round to lance-shaped leaflets and dramatic, usually yellow, flowers. They also ahare a preference for dry, sunny sites. The island broom is endemic to the three most northerly Channel Islands (Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Cruz) and Santa Catalina Island. The form varies from place to place, but generally it grows as a mounding shrub up to three feet or so. The leaflets are small and lance-shaped with a coating of fine hairs. The bright yellow flowers make for quite a display as they cover the new growth each spring. Since this Channel Island native grows under substantial ocean influence, protection from the afternoon site is advisable in interior settings.