A perennial shrub that grows from two to seven feet tall. A stout trunk bears many side branches that ascend upwards. The young stems are smooth and silvery, but as the plant matures, these stems turn grayer and the bark starts to grow in long strips. The evergreen leaves are one quarter inch to two inches long, wedge-shaped and with three or five lobes at the tip. Nonlobed leaves may grow in the early winter. Flowering stems grow near the ends of the branches and numerous side branches. Dense clusters of tiny yellow or cream-colored flowers are borne along a main stalk with many side stems. Seeds are tiny and black.

Antirheumatic, antiseptic, digestive, disinfectant, febrifuge, ophthalmic, poultice and sedative (plant)

Plants for a Future

In the treatment of digestive disorders and sore throats, to treat pneumonia, bad colds with coughing and bronchitis, for rheumatism, to relieve pain during child birthing (leaves); as a liniment on cuts, sores etc (crushed plant)