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Description
Encelia Farinosa, also known as Brittlebush, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the deserts of southwestern North America, including the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado deserts. Encelia Farinosa is a popular landscaping plant due to its attractive yellow flowers and drought tolerance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Encelia |
Appearance
Encelia Farinosa has a woody stem that grows up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Its leaves are gray-green and covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The leaves are also thick and leathery, which helps the plant retain water in arid environments. Encelia Farinosa produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from February to May. The flowers have a diameter of 1-2 inches and a distinctive cone-shaped center.
Care Guide
Encelia Farinosa is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in arid environments. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Encelia Farinosa is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered occasionally. Water deeply when the soil is completely dry.- Fertilization: Encelia Farinosa does not require fertilizer but can benefit from a light application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: Encelia Farinosa prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate sandy or rocky soil types.- Sunlight: Encelia Farinosa requires full sunlight to thrive.- Hardiness Zones: Encelia Farinosa is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Encelia Farinosa is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Additionally, aphids and spider mites may occasionally feed on the plant’s leaves. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Encelia Farinosa is native to the deserts of southwestern North America, including the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado deserts. It can be found growing in sandy or rocky soil in arid environments. Encelia Farinosa is an important plant for desert wildlife, providing food and habitat for a variety of animals, including desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and bighorn sheep.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Encelia Farinosa grow in a container?
A: Yes, Encelia Farinosa can be grown in a container as long as the container has adequate drainage and the plant is given enough sunlight and water.
Q: Does Encelia Farinosa require pruning?
A: Encelia Farinosa does not require pruning but can be pruned to shape or remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: How often should Encelia Farinosa be fertilized?
A: Encelia Farinosa does not require frequent fertilization but can benefit from a light application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer in the spring.
Q: Can Encelia Farinosa tolerate frost?
A: Encelia Farinosa is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
– Encelia Californica- Encelia Frutescens- Encelia Resinifera- Encelia Virginensis
References
– “Encelia farinosa.” Arizona State University. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Encelia&species=farinosa (accessed November 30, 2021).- “Brittlebush.” National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/148/ (accessed November 30, 2021).- “Encelia Farinosa.” DesertUSA. https://www.desertusa.com/flora/encelia-farinosa.html (accessed November 30, 2021).
