Encelia californica - Brittle-Bush

Description

This small shrub is found growing in coastal scrub. It likes good drainage, full sun, and little water. A member of the Sunflower family, it displays bright yellow 4 inch flowers with a dark center in spring and summer. Reaches about 4 feet tall and wide, making it well placed among Salvias, Artemisias, and Mimulus. The shrub will generally drop its bright green foliage in response to drought; a good watering every month or so should keep it green. It can be used to stabilize the soil on a slope and is a source of food for beneficial insects.