Euryops is the quintessential “fynbos daisy” – a genus of sun-loving shrubs and subshrubs that light up rocky hillsides and grasslands across southern Africa with masses of golden flowers. Belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae), Euryops species are generally evergreen, drought-tolerant and long-lived, forming neat hummocks or woody mounds covered in fine, often aromatic foliage. When in bloom they can be almost completely smothered in bright yellow daisies, creating a haze of colour that draws in bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

In nature, many species grow in tough, exposed places – sandstone ridges, shale bands, gravel plains, mountain slopes and coastal scrub – where poor soils, wind and seasonal drought are the norm. These harsh origins make them exceptionally well suited to water-wise, low-maintenance gardens around South Africa and in dry-summer or Mediterranean-type climates worldwide. With their intricate foliage and generous flowering, they bridge the gap between ornamental shrubs and hardy steppe or rock-garden plants.

For gardeners and collectors, the genus offers remarkable diversity: from tiny, moss-like cushions to upright, architecturally branched shrubs; from fine, erica-like leaves to bold ferny foliage; from tight button heads to broad-rayed daisies. Grown from seed, Euryops is fast to establish, rewarding the patient grower with plants that are both resilient and spectacular, whether they’re anchoring a fynbos bed in the Cape, brightening a dry border in Gauteng, or bringing a taste of the South African veld to gardens overseas.

Euryops asparagoides (Jacobaeastrum asparagoides, Mikania asparagoides, Othonna schlechteriana) – Bultdraaibos, Bult Draaibos, Doringharpuis, Doringrepuis; Thorn True-Eye, Thorn Harpuis

As its name suggests, Euryops asparagoides carries foliage reminiscent of an asparagus fern – fine, segmented and airy, arranged along slender stems that form an elegant, bushy plant. The overall effect is light and feathery, making this species exceptionally useful for softening edges, filling gaps between more architectural shrubs, or providing a delicate backdrop to bolder flowers. Bright yellow daisies pop out from this filigree of foliage, almost like fireflies in a cloud of green.

Native to South African habitats with good drainage and plenty of sun, Euryops asparagoides thrives in sandy, gravelly or rocky soils. In the garden it can be used in borders, meadow-style plantings and large containers, where it brings movement and fine texture. Flowering is generally concentrated in the cooler seasons, creating a strong late-winter and spring display when many deciduous plants are still waking up.

Commonly known Thorn True-Eye, it is known in horticulture mainly by its scientific name, Euryops asparagoides. Seed is an excellent way to build up a drift of plants, and seedlings can be selectively retained or thinned to create the density you prefer. Both South African and international growers will find Euryops asparagoides a valuable “see-through” shrub, adding lightness and daisy colour to water-wise plantings.