Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Latin Name: Encelia farinosa
Common Name: Brittlebush
Native Distribution: Sonoran Desert & Warmer Areas of the Mojave Desert
Size: Rounded form, typically 3’h x 4’w; grows in a nearly perfect shape; no pruning required
Flower: Daisy-like yellow flowers 1 1/2” across from Mar - May; additional blooming following rain or supplemental irrigation
Foliage: Silver/green lance-shaped or triangular, 2” long x 1.5” wide, densely covered with white hairs
Site Preferences: Full sun & dry conditions in well-drained soil
Landscape Uses: Poolside, near patios, natural desert settings, parking lot or highway medians; great among dark boulders; dramatic associations with Chihuahuan Sage, Autumn Sage or Ruellia; provides erosion control on slopes
Plant Characteristics
• Evergreen
• Well-watered plants produce greener leaves
• Drought conditions produce whiteish leaves
• Expect leaf drop in:
• severe drought
• cold
• Water well to establish, then infrequently
during the summer months
• Cease irrigation in early fall
• Dazzling flowers create spring accent
• Attracts birds & other desert animals
• Hardy to 15F; frost damage below 28F
• wait to prune until new growth appears
• Aphids love new growth; control with
insecticidal spray
• Break or clip dried flower stalks