Encelia farinosa

Common Name:
Brittlebush
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:
Full sun
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less

Brittlebush is one of our showiest desert shrubs, making a compact dome up to 2 feet tall. Broad, silvery leaves with 2-3 inch blades make a striking display. Sprays of golden yellow daisy flowers are held on long stalks above the foliage from March to May. This is a dryland plant, both heat and drought tolerant but demanding a sunny exposure and well drained soil, particularly near the coast.