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Brittlebush

Encelia farinosa

In stock

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun

4’x4’

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Yellow

Spring sporadically year-round

Prune to rejuvenate and to control size

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Another desert native that is a gorgeous foundational shrub for your wildlife landscapes. A mounding shrub with large, lance-shaped, gray leaves contrasts with the bright yellow daisy-like flowers produced in the spring. It is extremely drought tolerant but in irrigated landscapes, it may become quite lush and larger than plants existing on rainfall. I have had them as large as 8 feet in diameter in my yard! Do not over-water as they may rot out or become short-lived. Plant in full sun and provide good drainage.

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.