How much sun does Brittlebush need?

Brittlebush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Brittlebush bloom?

Brittlebush blooms in February, March, April, and May.

Where is Brittlebush native?

Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) is native to AZ, CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Brittlebush attract?

Brittlebush draws bees and butterflies.

Brittlebush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Encelia farinosa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NV. It blooms in February, March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–60" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, NV

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Rounded shrub with soft, felted silver-gray leaves and tall bare stalks topped by bright yellow daisy flowers held above the foliage in spring. Common on dry rocky slopes and desert washes.

Growing Brittlebush

Grow Brittlebush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 60 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Profuse spring flowers draw large numbers of native bees and butterflies.

Common questions

How much sun does Brittlebush need?: Brittlebush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Brittlebush bloom?: Brittlebush blooms in February, March, April, and May.
Where is Brittlebush native?: Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) is native to AZ, CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Brittlebush attract?: Brittlebush draws bees and butterflies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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