Brittlebush
ExplorePlants
Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Brittlebush is a bright yellow flowering plant that loves the sunny desert. Its leaves are soft and fuzzy, helping it stay cool in the hot sun.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Brittlebush has distinctive silvery-gray, oval leaves covered in fine hairs, contrasting sharply with its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. Its woody stems are often visible, adding to its striking appearance in arid landscapes.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusEncelia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient people used its sticky sap like glue or medicine!
It can grow on steep, rocky hillsides where little else survives!
Its name comes from how easily its dry branches snap!
The bright yellow flowers are like sunshine in the desert!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Shield
Brittlebush produces a fragrant resin coating its stems, protecting against water loss and deterring herbivores.
Ability
Rainy Day Responder
Brittlebush seeds only germinate after good rainfall, ensuring they have enough water to grow.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 50-150 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honeybee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
pollinates
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus
feeds on nectar
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
browses on leaves and shoots
shelters
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Gambel's Quail
Callipepla gambelii
uses for cover and nesting
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Brittlebush?
50-150 cm
How wide does Brittlebush spread?
50-150 cm
How big are the flowers on Brittlebush?
2-3 cm
When does Brittlebush bloom?
Late winter to spring
Is Brittlebush edible?
No
Is Brittlebush toxic?
None
What is Brittlebush's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Brittlebush pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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