Encelia farinosa
Brittlebush
OVERVIEW:
Encelia farinosa, referred commonly as brittlebush for its fragile, dry stems, is a desert evergreen shrub that grows to be 3-5ft tall. With a lifespan of up to 20 years in both urban and natural environments, this variety tends to grow in droves on rocky slopes, often occupying the in-between spaces nestled between roads and open desert. A variety whose seeds must be scarified to germinate, it tends to grow in clustered pockets close to areas with a high exposure to elements that will either crush the shell or easily entice birds or small mammals to consume for acidification once excreted. The flowers of Encelia farinosa are a pale yellow, and provide a soft, gentle blanket of daisy-like blooms that do well to color yardscapes in the late winter/early spring months. This variety is an excellent choice when planning either perennial or moon gardens.
CLASSIFICATION:
Scientific Name: Encelia fariosa
Common Name: Brittlebush
Family: Asteraceae
Suggested Uses: Slopes, restoration, landscape accent variety
CHARACTERISTICS:
Height: 3-4ft
Width: 2-3ft
Flower: Daisy-like blooms that create a golden blanket cascading across the plant
Bloom Period: Winter, Spring
Fruit: N/A
Foliage: Pale silvery-green
ENVIRONMENT:
Sun: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Soil: Well-draining, rocky soils (can handle caliche)
USDA Zone: 8-11
