Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Also listed as Encelia radians
Also known as White Brittlebush
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy desert shrub with silvery-gray foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal water and maintenance.
Why grow it
Brittlebush outperforms many desert ornamentals in establishment speed and reliability across varied soil types, requiring no supplemental water after the first season in most arid and semi-arid regions. Its extended spring bloom and compact growth habit (typically 3-4 feet) make it useful for erosion control, habitat restoration, and low-water landscape design where native plant material is preferred. Compared to similar drought-tolerant shrubs like desert marigold, brittlebush tends to be more vigorous and longer-lived in harsh conditions.
Watch out for
The plant's tendency to become woody and leggy over time benefits from occasional pruning after flowering to maintain shape and density. In areas receiving summer monsoon rains or regular irrigation, brittlebush may develop root rot or fungal issues, particularly in poorly draining soils. Plants are relatively short-lived (8-15 years depending on conditions) and may need periodic replacement in permanent plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Sonora, Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A hardy desert shrub with silvery-gray foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal water and maintenance.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Brittlebush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Brittlebush outperforms many desert ornamentals in establishment speed and reliability across varied soil types, requiring no supplemental water after the first season in most arid and semi-arid regions. Its extended spring bloom and compact growth habit (typically 3-4 feet) make it useful for erosion control, habitat restoration, and low-water landscape design where native plant material is preferred. Compared to similar drought-tolerant shrubs like desert marigold, brittlebush tends to be more vigorous and longer-lived in harsh conditions.
Watch out for
The plant's tendency to become woody and leggy over time benefits from occasional pruning after flowering to maintain shape and density. In areas receiving summer monsoon rains or regular irrigation, brittlebush may develop root rot or fungal issues, particularly in poorly draining soils. Plants are relatively short-lived (8-15 years depending on conditions) and may need periodic replacement in permanent plantings.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Sonora, Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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