ExplorePlants

California brittlebush

Encelia californica

California brittlebush is a sunny yellow flower that grows in the desert. Its bright blooms attract butterflies and bees, making it a happy sight in nature!

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The California brittlebush is a rounded shrub with distinctive silvery-gray leaves and brittle, reddish-brown stems. It bursts with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, creating a vibrant contrast against its pale foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusEncelia
California brittlebush
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
California brittlebush

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even its dried flower stalks stay on the plant for a very long time.

Its common name comes from its stems, which snap easily when dry!

Native Americans used its sticky resin for glue and medicine.

The brittlebush's resin was once burned as a fragrant incense.

Special abilities

Ability

Sun Shield Leaves

California brittlebush has tiny reflective hairs on its leaves that bounce sunlight away, helping it stay cool and save water.

Ability

Drought Warrior Roots

Its extensive root system can reach deep underground for water, allowing it to thrive in extremely dry desert conditions.

Ability

Resin Armor

The plant produces a sticky resin that helps protect it from hungry animals and prevents water loss from its stems.

Measurements & details

Height
60-150 cm
Spread
60-120 cm
Flower Size
3-5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early Summer, sometimes longer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch the plants unless you have an adult with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is California brittlebush?

60-150 cm

How wide does California brittlebush spread?

60-120 cm

How big are the flowers on California brittlebush?

3-5 cm

When does California brittlebush bloom?

Spring to early Summer, sometimes longer

Is California brittlebush edible?

No

Is California brittlebush toxic?

None

What is California brittlebush's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is California brittlebush pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Plants