This is the plant you have seen brightening up the chaparral with its bright golden flowers in the spring and early summer months. It is an upright perennial with lacy  fern-like leaves that are grayish green. This hardy plant can survive on almost no water but its foliage will improve with some supplemental watering. Plant in masses in dry borders  or as part of a meadow with grasses. Cut back in late fall for best appearance the next year.