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(Encelia frutescens)
Button Brittlebush (Encelia frutescens)
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Copyright by Curtis Clark, licensed as noted
CC BY-SA 2.5
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Copyright by Curtis Clark, licensed as noted
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.5
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Copyright by Curtis Clark, licensed as noted | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.5 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5 | Uploader: Curtis Clark | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Encelia_frutescens_capitulum_2005-04-01.jpg | Notes: User created page with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Encelia frutescens, commonly known as Button Brittlebush, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to arid desert regions and scrublands in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, adapted to survive in harsh, dry environments. Button Brittlebush typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) with a similar spread. Its appearance is characterized by a rounded form with branches covered in rough, hairy leaves that can help reduce water loss. The plant produces flower heads that are usually devoid of ray florets, presenting a compact disc of bright yellow disc florets that bloom from late winter to early spring. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy when the shrub is covered in blooms. The fruits are flat, light, and adapted for wind dispersal.
Button Brittlebush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in extreme conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used for habitat restoration as it is one of the first plants to colonize disturbed or burned sites. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils, preferably sandy or gravelly, to mimic its native habitat. It is highly tolerant of drought, requiring minimal supplemental watering once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Button Brittlebush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in extreme conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used for habitat restoration as it is one of the first plants to colonize disturbed or burned sites. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils, preferably sandy or gravelly, to mimic its native habitat. It is highly tolerant of drought, requiring minimal supplemental watering once established. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2.5-5 feet
- Width: 2.5-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Arid desert regions and scrublands in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Bush Encelia
Scientific Names: , Encelia frutescens, Encelia frutescens var. frutescens, Encelia frutescens subsp. frutescens, Encelia frutescens f. ovata, Simsia frutescens, Encelia frutescens f. frutescens,
GBIF Accepted Name: Encelia frutescens (A.Gray) A.Gray