Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Silver foliage and a yellow daisy bloom — Sonoran spring in a plant.
Gentry George, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain — license
Schedule: Twice-weekly in summer, weekly in shoulder seasons.
Emitters: 1–2 emitters per plant, monitored during heat waves.
Flowering perennials, citrus, and lush accents need more attention than true desert plants.
Arizona yards have very different microclimates. West-facing walls, glass, artificial turf, pavers, travertine, porcelain, and pool decking all increase reflected heat. AE considers these before confirming placement.
- Low root impact
AE verifies pool deck, paver, foundation, wall, and utility clearances before final planting.
Quick Facts
- Plant type
- Flowering Perennial
- Mature size
- 2–3 ft tall and wide
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water use
- Very low
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Flower color
- Yellow
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Thorns / spines
- None
- Litter level
- Medium
- Pool area
- Use with care
- Pet/kid placement
- Good
- Maintenance
- Low
- Privacy value
- Low
- Shade value
- Low
- Native
- Sonoran native
About Brittlebush
AE uses brittlebush in native palettes for instant Sonoran character.
Best uses: Native yellow spring bloom
AE Designer Opinion
Design Uses
- Native design
- Mass planting
- Slopes
Care & Maintenance
- Very low water
- Cut back after bloom
- Full sun
Pairs Well With
- Globe Mallow
- Ocotillo
- Prickly Pear
More Arizona Plants Like This
Ready to Build Your AE Plant Wishlist?
Add Brittlebush and your other favorites to your wishlist, then send it to the AE design team for the final plant palette.