Brittlebush Seeds (Encelia farinosa)
 
Brittlebush is one of the most iconic plants of the Sonoran Desert, instantly recognizable by its silvery-gray foliage and brilliant sun-yellow spring blooms. This hardy perennial shrub thrives where heat, drought, and poor soils challenge most plants, lighting up desert landscapes with waves of color from late winter through spring. Its soft, felted leaves reflect sunlight and conserve moisture, giving Brittlebush its distinctive look and legendary resilience. The leaves remind me a little bit of white sage or dusty miller.
 
Once established, it requires very little water and comes back year after year, making it a favorite for xeriscapes, native gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. If you’ve ever admired the golden hillsides along Arizona roadsides after winter rains, you’ve seen Brittlebush doing exactly what it does best.
 
Native Range
 
Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) is native to the Sonoran Desert, including:
Arizona
Southern California
Baja California
Northwestern Mexico

Growing Information
 
Botanical Name: Encelia farinosa
Common Name: Brittlebush
Life Cycle: Perennial shrub
Mature Size: 2–5 ft tall and wide
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11
Bloom Time: Late winter through spring
Water Needs: Very low once established
 
How to Grow From Seed
Surface sow or cover very lightly with sand
Keep soil lightly moist until germination
Germination typically occurs in 10–21 days
Provide full sun once seedlings establish
Water sparingly, overwatering reduces longevity
 
This is for 50 seeds