California brittlebush
Encelia californica
Last reviewed: September 2026
California brittlebush is a low-water shrub that produces daisy-like yellow flowers from February through June and thrives in full sun along the California coast and foothills.
Toxicity unknown
California brittlebush (Encelia californica) 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 × 36"–72" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies
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A rounded soft-wooded shrub with bright green triangular leaves and yellow daisy flowers with dark centers held on long bare stalks. It blooms through the cool season and goes summer-dormant when dry.
Growing California brittlebush
Grow California brittlebush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Blooms in the cool-season window when little else flowers, feeding native bees and butterflies out of step with summer bloomers.
Common questions
- How much water does California brittlebush need?
- Once established, California brittlebush needs very little supplemental water and tolerates dry, well-drained soils. Occasional watering during long dry spells can help it look fuller, but overwatering can shorten its life.
- When does California brittlebush bloom?
- This shrub typically flowers from February through June, with yellow daisy-like blooms covering the plant during peak spring months.
- Does California brittlebush attract pollinators?
- Yes. Its flowers are visited by native bees and butterflies, making it a useful addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
- How much sun does California brittlebush need?
- It grows best in full sun and also tolerates part sun, especially in hotter inland gardens where some afternoon shade can reduce stress.
- Does California brittlebush lose its leaves?
- It can drop some or most of its leaves during hot, dry summer months as a drought response, then leaf out again with cooler temperatures or rain.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California brittlebush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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