Encelia californica 'El Dorado'

Common Name:
Bush sunflower
Plant Type:
Evergreen shrub
Family:
Asteraceae (The Sunflower Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
2-3 feet high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Spring and summer

Flower Color:
Yellow
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate to occasional watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15-20 degrees F.

This is a common shrub in large areas of southern California, lighting up the chaparral in spring and early summer. It is round to dome shaped, up to 5 feet high, dressed with dark green lance shaped leaves. The flower heads are carried singly above the leaves, 2-3 inches broad and colored bright yellow with dark centers. This is a dryland plant, both heat and drought tolerant but demanding a sunny exposure and well drained soil, particularly near the coast. Hardy to 20 degrees F or less.