Numerous white flowers as large as apple blossoms, followed by cluster of reddish-tinged plumes. Thrives with abundant water, but endures extreme drought. Native to 6,000-7,000 foot elevation, but grows in canyons and on mesas. This wood shrub is a member of the Garrya family. It has regular branching and reddish-brown or gray bark, with leathery oblong or oval leaves and very light fruit.
Height varies from one to eight feet.
A decorative shrub with green stems six to eight feet high, and large compounded leaves containing small leaflets. Large flowers with yellow petals and long red stamens and pistils. The fruit, a large flat pod, explodes when dry and scatters its seeds. The plant is ill-smelling. This very common plant of the dry mesas, plains, and arroyos is often mistakenly called sage.