Chrysactinia mexicana is another of the great but little-known Texas natives that adapts beautifully to East Coast gardens. Damianita, as it is commonly known, is a member of the aster family that hails from rocky alkaline regions in Texas and New Mexico. This drought-tolerant woody perennial makes a 1′ tall x 18″ wide compact mound of woody stems clothed with fragrant (like aged turpentine) dark green, needle-like leaves. From April through September, the foliage is adorned with 1″ golden, aster-like flowers. We have found this very easy to grow and, of course, amazingly drought- and heat-tolerant. Chrysactinia does not like severe pruning, so back off with those shears!
