Button brittlebush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Button brittlebush |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Encelia
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| Species: |
E. frutescens
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| Binomial name | |
| Encelia frutescens |
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The button brittlebush or bush encelia (scientific name: Encelia frutescens) is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the daisy family, which is a very large group of plants. This plant is known for its unique flower heads and its ability to thrive in harsh desert environments.
Where Does It Grow?
The button brittlebush is a plant that loves the desert. You can find it in the Southwestern United States. It grows especially well in the Mojave Desert in California. You can also spot it in Nevada and Arizona.
What Does It Look Like?
The flower heads of the button brittlebush are quite special. They usually don't have the long, petal-like parts called ray florets. Instead, they are mostly made up of many small disc florets packed together. Think of the center of a sunflower, but without the outer "petals."
Its leaves feel rough and have tiny hairs on them. When the plant produces seeds, they are flat and light. This design helps the wind carry them far away to new places.
The button brittlebush is also an important plant for some desert animals. For example, the desert tortoise sometimes eats it. This plant is also one of the first to grow back in areas that have been disturbed or burned. It helps new life return to the land.
