California Brittle Bush (Encelia californica), also known as Bush Sunflower or Coastal Sunflower, is a fast-growing bushy perennial shrub that thrives on the coast, especially on Southern California slopes and in poor soils.
The Brittle Bush's leaves are gray-green and textured, with a rough diamond shape. Its daisy-like flowers boast bright yellow petals surrounding dark brown centers. Brittle Bush blooms prolificly in spring and winter (it can be less vigorous in the heat of summer and may go dormant during drought periods).
Its flowers are among pollinators' favorites. After blooming, Brittle Bush seeds create food for small birds.
As a fast growing flowering shrub, it is a helpful plant to create quick color and growth in new native gardens while you wait for slower growers to catch up. Brittle Bush also works well as a cut flower.
Encelia californica - California Brittle Bush Plant/Bush Sunflower
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 2 - 5 feet tall
- Mature Width: 3 - 7 feet wide
- Sun: Full Sun, Partial Sun
- Water: Low, Very low
- Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Geographic Appropriateness
- USDA Zone: Zones 9 - 10
- Sunset Zone: Zones 7 - 16, 18 - 24
- Native Sites: Slopes, bluffs, foothills and canyons primarily on the coastal side of the mountains from San Luis Obispo County to San Diego County and into northwestern Baja. Typically found on drier, south or west facing slopes as part of coastal sage scrub.
Additional Landscaping Information
- Characteristics: California Native, Flowering, Drought Tolerant, Summer Semi-Deciduous, Cut Flowers
- Special Uses: Bank stabilization, Groundcover