shrubN. America Native

Brittlebush

The Story

Plant Bio

Encelia farinosa, the brittlebush, is a rounded, mounded, semi-woody perennial shrub native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant features velvety, oval leaves that transition from pale green in early spring to a dense, reflective silvery-gray by summer to endure intense heat.

Bright yellow daisy-like flower heads are carried in loosely branched clusters on long, slender stalks held well above the foliage from winter through spring. The brittle stems exude a fragrant, aromatic resin that was historically used as incense and chewing gum.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking silvery-white summer foliage and bright yellow daisy-like blooms.

Yields a fragrant aromatic resin historically used as incense.

Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies, while small birds and rodents consume the seeds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full-sun location with exceptionally well-draining, sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil.
Avoid planting in heavy clay or low-lying areas prone to prolonged moisture retention.
Water sparingly during the establishment phase, then withhold summer irrigation to respect its natural drought-deciduous dormancy.
Protect the root zone with wire cages if gophers are active in the garden.

Pro Tip

Never shear this shrub hard into old, leafless wood lacking active buds, as it fails to regenerate and will likely die. Keep the soil lean and dry during its summer dormancy to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in lean, highly drained rocky or sandy soil.
Provide full sun exposure.
Prune lightly after flowering by trimming spent stalks back to leaf level.

Don't

Do not apply fertilizer or organic soil amendments.
Do not overwater during the hot summer dormancy phase.
Do not shear hard into old, leafless wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensDesert landscapingErosion control on dry slopesNative pollinator gardens

Companion Plants

Eriogonum fasciculatum Agave deserti Justicia californica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Brittlebush questions

What zones can Brittlebush grow in?

Brittlebush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Brittlebush bloom?

Brittlebush typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Brittlebush need full sun?

Brittlebush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Brittlebush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Brittlebush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.