Brittlebush

Encelia farinosa

Family:: Asteraceae
Elevation:: 500 ft – 3,500 ft
Bloom:: Mar – May
Region:: Southwest

A rounded desert subshrub of silvery, felted leaves that erupts each spring into a cloud of long-stemmed golden daisies. A cheerful roadside and hillside pioneer that colonizes disturbed ground across the warm deserts.

Care · tuned to the Southwest

Water

Very drought tolerant; water occasionally to extend bloom, but it thrives on rainfall alone. Drops leaves in drought and re-flushes after rain. Overwatering and poor drainage rot the crown.

Sun & exposure

Full sun and reflected heat; the pale, hairy leaves reflect light and resist scorch.

Soil

Prefers lean, rocky, gravelly, alkaline soils with sharp drainage; no amendment needed and rich soil makes it floppy.

In the Southwest

Cold-tender in the higher, colder parts of the region; can be knocked back by hard frost but often resprouts. Short-lived — shear back after bloom to keep it tidy and encourage a second flush. The stems exude a fragrant resin once used as incense.

Common problems & fixes

Root rot from overwatering — a short-lived plant that collapses in wet or poorly drained soil
Fix — Plant in gritty, fast-draining soil and water sparingly, avoiding monsoon overwatering.
Legginess and bare centers as it ages
Fix — Shear hard after spring bloom to force compact regrowth and replace tired plants every few years.

Pets & toxicity

No known significant toxicity to dogs or cats.

Easy to confuse with

Desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata) — herbaceous, woollier, longer bloom season
Bush sunflower (Encelia frutescens) — greener leaves, sparser flowers

Sources

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