Common name(s): Mock Heather, California Goldenbrush, California Heathgoldenrod

Family: Asteraceae- Sunflower Family

Species: Ericameria ericoides

Commonly found: Dunes and sandy soils. Coastal Strand, Coastal Sage Scrub, Mixed Evergreen Forest.

Size: 2-3.5 feet high, 3-4 feet wide

Origin: Native. Mock heather is endemic to California, where it grows in the sand dunes and coastal hills between the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles area

Description: Mock Heather has tiny leaves that grow in a fan shape. The yellow flowers have 2-6 small petals. Mock Heather, also known as California Goldenbush, is one of the dominant plants found in the central dune scrub plant community. It blooms September to October. Mock heather's scientific name comes from the Greek ereika for "heath," and meris or meros for "division" or "part," referring to the heath-like leaves. The Coast Miwok heated the leaves and used them to treat skin sores.