Arizona goldenweed Plant Care

Arizona goldenweed (Gutierrezia arizonica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Gutierrezia genus. Arizona goldenweed is native to Arizona in the United States and Sonora in northwestern Mexico.

Arizona goldenweed displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Arizona goldenweed produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Arizona goldenweed every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Arizona goldenweed thrives in full sun.

Gutierrezia arizonica tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Arizona goldenweed prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Arizona goldenweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Arizona goldenweed every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Arizona goldenweed is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Arizona goldenweed can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Arizona goldenweed while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Arizona goldenweed is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Arizona goldenweed can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to matchweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Arizona goldenweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Arizona goldenweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Arizona goldenweed is native to Arizona in the United States and Sonora in northwestern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Arizona goldenweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.