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Description
Encelia Californica, commonly known as the California Bush Sunflower, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to California and can be found growing in various habitats including deserts, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. This perennial plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. The California Bush Sunflower blooms from spring to fall, producing bright yellow flowers that are 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Encelia |
Appearance
The California Bush Sunflower is a bushy plant with woody stems and gray-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are oblong and can grow up to 3 inches long. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that have 8 to 12 petals and a dark center disk. The flowers can grow up to 2 inches in diameter and bloom from spring to fall. The California Bush Sunflower can grow up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide, making it a great plant for filling in large spaces in a garden or landscape.
Care Guide
To care for the California Bush Sunflower, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.The California Bush Sunflower is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it may need protection from frost during the winter months.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Bush Sunflower is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent these pests, keep the plant healthy and well-watered. If you notice pests, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The California Bush Sunflower is native to California and can be found growing in various habitats including deserts, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. It can tolerate a range of soil types and is drought-tolerant, making it a great plant for xeriscaping. The plant is also a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its bright yellow flowers and bushy growth habit.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the California Bush Sunflower be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the California Bush Sunflower can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its size and the soil is well-draining.
Q: How often should I fertilize the California Bush Sunflower?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Q: Is the California Bush Sunflower drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the California Bush Sunflower is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Q: What is the bloom time for the California Bush Sunflower?
A: The California Bush Sunflower blooms from spring to fall, producing bright yellow flowers that are 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
Related Plants
- Encelia Farinosa
- Encelia Actoni
- Encelia Frutescens
References
- “Encelia Californica.” Calflora.
- “Encelia Californica.” Las Pilitas Nursery.
- “Encelia Californica.” San Marcos Growers.
