Encelia farinosa
Brittlebush, Desert Encelia
Description
Gray mounding shrub 3' x 3'. White if very dry. Bright yellow 1" daisies spring and summer. Sonoran & Mojave deserts on sandy or gravelly soils. Rapid growth following rain. Short lived individual plants but will reseed to maintain populations. Drought dormant. Deciduous. Damaged in mid 20s. Good in hottest areas. Lance or ovate leaves. Aphids will attack as will flea beetles. Careful of root rot in heavy soils. Overgrown and fragile if overwatered.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
1-3', 3-6'
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Grey Green, Grey, White
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
Ranch, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences, Walkways
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.