Encelia farinosa Brittlebush, Incienso
SUBSHRUB. A compact shrub with large triangular white-fuzzy leaves
and pale, fragile branches that break easily. New growth appears
in spring and again after summer rain. Yellow daisylike flowers on
tall stalks, high above leaves, followed by fringed black seeds.
Flowers usually have orange or yellow centers, but a variety with large,
high-domed purple centers, previously described from southwestern Arizona,
has been planted along roadsides and now both varieties can be expected
southeast of Tucson. In the Empires, found on low, sandy flats and
on dry hillsides among saguaros. May freeze back nearly to the ground
in winter, but quickly grows back in spring. Sticky yellow gum can
be used as incense.
FAMILY: Asteraceae (Composite or Daisy Family)