California brittlebush facts for kids
Encelia californica is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family. People often call it the California brittlebush. You might also hear it called the "California coast sunflower" or "California bush sunflower."
Quick facts for kids Encelia californica |
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Encelia
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E. californica
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| Encelia californica Nutt.
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Encelia conspersa A.Gray |
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Where It Grows
This plant is a small shrub. It naturally grows in southern California in the U.S. It also grows in northern Baja California, Mexico.
You can find it near the coast in areas called coastal sage communities. It also lives further inland in chaparral and woodlands. These areas are often found in the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges foothills.
What It Looks Like
The California brittlebush is a bushy plant. It usually grows about 50 to 150 centimeters (20 to 60 inches) tall. It has many thin branches. These branches are covered with green leaves. The leaves are shaped like a rounded diamond.
The plant produces single flower heads. These flowers look like daisies. Each flower has 15 to 25 bright yellow ray florets. These are the "petals" you see. They are about 1 to 3 centimeters long. In the center, there are yellowish to purplish-brown disc florets. These stick out from the middle.
The fruit of the plant is called an achene. It is 5 to 7 millimeters long. It does not have a pappus, which is a feathery part that helps some seeds fly. The plant blooms from February to June. Its bright flowers attract many insects. These include butterflies, bees, and other helpful bugs.
How It Is Used
The California brittlebush is very important for some insects. It is a host plant for the larvae of the Bay checkerspot butterfly. This butterfly is a threatened species. This means its population is at risk. The larvae eat the plant's leaves.
People also grow Encelia californica in gardens. Special nurseries sell it as an ornamental plant. It is used in native plant gardens. It is also good for wildlife gardens. These gardens help local animals. It is also used in natural landscaping projects.
This plant can handle dry weather. It does not need a lot of water. However, it does not like frost. It needs full sun to grow well.
See also
In Spanish: Encelia californica para niños
