1. * Brittlebush – Encelia farinosa
(en-SEE-lee-uh far-ee-NO-suh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Colorado, Sonoran & Mojave Deserts from CA to Utah, south to Mexico; on south-facing
rocky slopes, washes and flats in open oak woodlands, semidesert and desert grasslands, desert
scrub, and coastal sage scrub.
sub-shrub
mature height: 3-5 ft.
mature width: 3-5 ft.
Evergreen (with water) or drought-deciduous shrub from a woody, succulent base. Many-branched
with dense, rounded appearance. Leaves are simple, light green to velvety-white. Leaf size varies
considerably depending on water availability. Quick-growing. May be short-lived in the garden.
Foliage releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants (allelopathy).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms primarily in spring (Mar-May), but may bloom sporadically depending on
rains. Flowers are typical yellow ‘sunflower’ heads on bare stalks above the foliage. Very showy in
bloom, when there may be hundreds of flower heads. Flowers are sweetly fragrant.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Often used for erosion control on slopes. Nice addition to the Silver Garden.
Excellent choice for desert-themed garden, rock garden, at the back of water-wise mixed beds.
Excellent choice for hot, dry gardens; does not do well near the coast (too foggy & damp).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native bush sunflowers.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Attracts many insect pollinators
including butterflies and native bees.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun; fine with reflected heat.
Sandy or rocky well-drained soils – does poorly on heavy clays; alkali soils fine.
Don’t over-water once established; Zone 1-2 best (water only during long dry
periods). Over-watered plants are leggy, brittle.
none
Prune spent flowerheads as desired. Cut back by at least ½ in fall to keep growth
Plant roots resent moving, so plant out in place when young.
Management:
compact.
Propagation: from seed: in spring; soak seed in warm water for 1 hr.
by cuttings: tip cuttings
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 21, 20, 24
12/1/08
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co.
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