Encelia farinosa

Common Names

Brittlebush, Incienso, Brittlebrush, White Brittlebush, Desert Encelia, Goldenhills, Brittle Bush

Summary

Brittlebush is a small drought-deciduous shrub native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It forms a rounded, brittle-branched shrub with densely woolly, silvery-gray leaves and stems that exude a fragrant resin; bright yellow daisy-like flowers rise on long stalks above the foliage, and plants typically reach about 3–5 ft tall and wide, with occasional leaf drop during prolonged drought.

In cultivation, it prefers full sun and well-drained soils (sandy or rocky); it is highly drought-tolerant with minimal maintenance and propagates by seed or cuttings, reseeding readily. Pruning wilted flower stems as needed supports shape; uses include erosion control, border plantings, ground covers, mass plantings, and desert restoration. Hardiness is USDA zones 8–11, with frost tenderness.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-5 feet

Spread

3-5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained, dry, rocky or gravelly soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.5

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Gray-green to silvery-white

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Stem cuttings, Softwood cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds.