Santolina virens is the green version of the popular lavender cotton plant, a drought-resistant, narrow-leaved plant that is often found in herb gardens.
It can be cultivated as an ornamental or as in ancient times for the natural pesticidal oils in its aromatic leaves.
This dense, broadly mounded plant produces sprays of small, yellow, button-like flowers in summer that stand out brightly above the green mound.
It is most often planted for edging but also makes a fine addition to drought-resistant gardens as a vibrant green accent.