Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Bupleurum fruticosum
Shrubby Hare's Ear
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Height
- 4 to 8 feet
- Width
- 4 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Yellow, in flat-topped umbels
- Foliage color
- Green with a slightly glossy texture
- Bloom time
- Late spring to summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate to low
- Maintenance
- Low; occasional pruning to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Pollinators like bees and butterflies
About this plant
Bupleurum fruticosum, commonly known as shrubby hare's ear, is an evergreen shrub admired for its slender, glossy green leaves and clusters of bright, yellow flowers. Blooming from midsummer to early autumn, the flowers are arranged in umbels that provide a delicate yet vibrant display. These blooms are highly attractive to pollinators, making the plant a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Native to the Mediterranean region, Bupleurum fruticosum thrives in sunny, dry landscapes, where its resilience and ornamental qualities shine. Its tidy growth habit and year-round foliage make it a versatile choice for mixed borders, rock gardens, or coastal plantings. Beyond its decorative appeal, this shrub is also valued for its ability to withstand challenging growing conditions while contributing a natural and understated beauty to the garden.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Rock Gardens · Coastal Gardens
Companion plants
Yucca · New Zealand flax · Ice plant · Red hot poker · Crocosmias · Smoke bush
Design tip
Sunny, dry planting areas feel more inviting when evergreen structure is mixed with loose, flowering shapes. Combine this shrub with silvery foliage, ornamental grasses, and softly mounded perennials, allowing its yellow blooms to provide cheerful highlights and a natural transition between neighboring plants.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
