Encelia farinosa (Brittle Bush)


Botanical Information

FamilyAsteraceae
GenusEncelia
Speciesfarinosa
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouthwestern United States of America and northwestern Mexico.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The stems have a sweet aroma and syrup-like resin which is still used in churches in some parts of Mexico as incense. Native American people are known to have used the same substance as glue and chewing gum.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season preotection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)- 10 - (-5)
Temperature (°F)14 - 23
Height30 - 150 cm
Spread90 cm
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

ShapeRound and spreading.
LandscapeGardens and border planting.
PropagationSeed.
CultivationFull sun. Well-drained and moist soil. Prefers dry or moist gravel laden sandy and volcanic soil. Drought tolerant.
Notable SpecimensDesert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America.
HabitatDry gravelly slopes and open sandy washes.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThick and woody branches.
Leaf Description5 - 6 cm leaves. The stems are tall, thin and leafless.
Flower DescriptionDaisy-like yellow flowers that form on a stem.
Colour DescriptionThe leaves are greyish-silver or bluish-green. The flowers are yellow.
Texture DescriptionThe leaves have a velvety texture.

Photographs