Encelia farinosa (Brittlebush, Incienso)

Photographs

My photos:

These photos were taken in Februrary at Anza Borrego, alongside the road on S22 going down into the valley. To the right is a nice healthy specimen. Below left is a plant growing almost vertically on the cliff, and below right is a seedling.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Asteraceae

In the garden:

Encelia farinosa is a common, low, rounded bush, growing to 4 feet. It’s herbage is fragrant, with brittle stems arising from a woody trunk. It produces its whitish-gray leaves in a dense cluster. It needs occasional summer water; otherwise, it will drop it’s leaves. It’s flower is the bright orange-yellow color typical of a member of the Asteraceae (the Sunflower family). Blooms occur from March to May. This bush is intolerant of hard frosts. It does best in full sun, especially near the coast, and in a soil with good drainage. It’s bushy form makes it good at the back of a border or in coastal rock gardens. Propagate by seeds.

In the wild:

Found on dry, stony slopes, up to 3000 feet.

Ethnobotany:

The plant’s yellow sap was used by native folks and early missionaries as an incense. The sap was used as glue or as chewing gum. The twigs, or an infusion of the flower and leaf, were used for toothache.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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