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Brittlebush — Encelia farinosa

Native & adapted

Brittlebush

Encelia farinosa

A foundational native shrub with silver foliage and yellow winter-to-spring flowers; reseeds readily in basins.

Sonoran nativePollinatorVery low waterWinter color
Landscape layersUnderstory
Mature size3–5 ft tall and wide
Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b
Special categoriesSONORAN DESERT NATIVE · POLLINATOR ATTRACTING

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Cold hardinessCover while young

Takes the upper 20s with no damage and starts to burn around 24°F. It is native here and bounces back, so only young plants are worth covering in a hard freeze.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 24°F
Heat toleranceTakes full sun and heat

Loves full and reflected sun. It goes semi-dormant and drops leaves in the hottest, driest part of summer, which is normal.

Sources: amwua.org, desertmuseum.org

Right plant, right place

Will Brittlebush grow at your Arizona property?

Use the whole site—not only the hardiness zone. Confirm mature width, reflected heat, seasonal shade, drainage, irrigation reach, and cold-air pockets before planting.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Brittlebush thrive

  1. 1

    Confirm the plant’s mature spread and underground conflicts before digging.

  2. 2

    Place the root flare at finished grade and keep mulch away from the trunk.

  3. 3

    Establish a wide, deep root zone instead of irrigating only at the trunk.

  4. 4

    Observe seasonal growth, heat stress, and wildlife use before making major pruning changes.

Keep exploring

More plants for this system