California Brittlebush

California Brittlebush brings warmth and movement to dry gardens with its silvery foliage and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. Native to southern and coastal California, this mounding shrub grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, offering soft, fragrant leaves that conserve moisture and a long bloom season that can begin as early as winter and extend into summer. After fall rains, it may even rebloom.

Loved by pollinators like early-emerging native bees and butterflies, and by finches for its seeds, Brittlebush supports wildlife while adding a cheerful burst of color to drought-tolerant landscapes.

Why Choose California Brittlebush?

• Thrives in hot, dry, and sunny locations with minimal water.
• One of the first native plants to bloom each year—great for early pollinators.
• Soft, silvery foliage adds year-round visual interest.
• Ideal for slopes, sandy soils, and coastal gardens.
• Supports bees, butterflies, and seed-eating birds.
  

Shear lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage reblooming. Avoid overwatering—this plant is built for drought. Rejuvenate woody specimens by cutting back hard in early fall. Prefers fast-draining soils; avoid planting in heavy clay unless kept dry.

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a full shape and encourage rebloom.
• Can be cut back hard in late summer if it becomes leggy.
• Do not overwater—adapted to dry conditions and thrives on neglect.
• Self-seeds readily in appropriate conditions; thin if necessary.