California Brittlebush
Encelia californica
Also known as Bush Sunflower, Coast Sunflower
Climate Match for your location
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A California native shrub with bright yellow daisy-like flowers and silvery-green foliage that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and attracts butterflies.
Why grow it
Encelia californica outperforms many common drought-tolerant shrubs in sustained flowering over a long season and requires minimal supplemental water once established in well-draining soil. Unlike some native alternatives, it tolerates poor, sandy, or gravelly soils and recovers quickly after pruning or fire. The silvery foliage and prolific daisy-like flowers provide reliable color and pollinator value in xeriscape designs where water conservation is a priority.
Watch out for
Plants may become leggy or sparse in coastal fog zones or areas with humidity and limited direct sun, requiring periodic rejuvenation pruning. Young plants benefit from occasional water during their first season to establish a deep root system, though mature plants can decline if overwatered in poorly draining soils.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A California native shrub with bright yellow daisy-like flowers and silvery-green foliage that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Excellent for drought-tolerant landscapes and attracts butterflies.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Brittlebush grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Encelia californica outperforms many common drought-tolerant shrubs in sustained flowering over a long season and requires minimal supplemental water once established in well-draining soil. Unlike some native alternatives, it tolerates poor, sandy, or gravelly soils and recovers quickly after pruning or fire. The silvery foliage and prolific daisy-like flowers provide reliable color and pollinator value in xeriscape designs where water conservation is a priority.
Watch out for
Plants may become leggy or sparse in coastal fog zones or areas with humidity and limited direct sun, requiring periodic rejuvenation pruning. Young plants benefit from occasional water during their first season to establish a deep root system, though mature plants can decline if overwatered in poorly draining soils.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California native
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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