Encelia virginensis, commonly known as Virgin River Brittlebush, is an evergreen shrub native to arid desert regions and scrublands of the Southwestern United States, particularly along the Virgin River. It typically grows to heights between 100 and 150 cm (40-60 inches) with a bushy, sprawling habit. The plant is characterized by its many branches, with younger parts covered in fine hairs and older stems developing thickened bark. The foliage is gray-green, fuzzy to hairy, and may appear sparse, with the paleness attributed to the presence of numerous small hairs on the leaf surface. The Virgin River Brittlebush produces solitary daisy-like flower heads on erect, hairy stems, each with 11 to 21 yellow ray florets surrounding a center of yellow disc florets. Flowering occurs from early spring to late spring, and the blooms are moderately showy, attracting pollinators.

Virgin River Brittlebush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic desert gardens. It is also used for erosion control due to its sprawling habit. This shrub requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes. It thrives in full sun and requires very low to low amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Gardeners should be aware that it may not tolerate cold, wet conditions well.CC BY-SA 4.0