Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Encelia
- Species:
- Encelia farinosa
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 3-4 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- feb, jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bucculatrix enceliae, Carolella willettana
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis), Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in arid desert conditions
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds are sown soon after collection. For stored seeds, use gibrellic acid soak. Seeds can be directly sown or soaked in water overnight prior to sowing.
Source: npn.rngr.net