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Acton Brittlebush

Encelia actoni

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun

3'x3'

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Yellow

Spring; Summer

None.

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Encelia actoni, also known by the common names Acton brittlebush and Acton encelia, is almost identical to Encelia farinosa what we commonly call Brittlebush. It has the same silvery grey leaves and bright yellow daisy like flowers. The easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that Acton has a single flowerhead at the end of the stem branches. E. farinosa has multiple flowerheads at the end of the stem. Acton is native to California and Nevada in the U. S. and Baja California in Mexico. It grows in various types of open habitat, including deserts, chaparral, and grasslands. It is found in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, as well as our local mountain ranges from 2400-5000' elevation. Cold tolerant to 15 degrees. Encelia actoni is an excellent shrub for drought tolerant and wildlife gardens, or natural landscaping design. After the first summer needs limited to no irrigation. In the low desert some supplemental irrigation and filtered shade in the summer is needed.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.