Brittlebush

• Plant Type: Deciduous, perennial shrub.
• Common Names: Brittlebush, Incienso, Goldenhills.
• Color: Bright yellow, purple-brown.
• Flower Dimensions: The capitula is 1.18- 1.38 inches in diameter.
• Flowering Seasons/Months: Winter and spring (March to June).
• Deserts with Brittlebush: Mojave, Sonoran.

Brittlebush is a common desert shrub under the family Asteraceae. The plant can grow up to 1-5 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

• Brittlebush plants have broader leaves at the tip than the base. The fragrant leaves measure 1-4 inches in length. The leaves are alternate and simple.
• The stems of the Brittlebush are brittle and fragrant. They are covered with fine white hairs.
• The bright yellow flowers are arranged in loose panicles. These flowers are Daisy-like. They are at the and of the stems.
• The brittlebushes are more or less limited to places with long periods of limited moisture.

• Research showed^[1] that the Encelia farinosa intrinsic water-use efficiency manifested strong responses to climate change.
• The exudate of the Brittlebush^[2] is used by the Arizona Indians as an analgesic, chewing gum, and incense.
• Encelia farinosa is also called incienso^[3] because the resinous sap is aromatic and is often used as an incense substitute in Mexico.
• Encelia farinosa is called Brittlebush^[4] because the stem of this species is delicate.
• Scientists discovered that the leaves of the Brittle Bush^[5] can inhibit the growth of other plants. The scientists developed a new chemical compound to possibly develop a weed killer.