Botanical Name: Encelia californica
Common Name: California encelia, Coast sunflower Type of Plant: Dicot: subshrub Habit of Growth: Overall Shape a loosely-constructed plant with a rounded to mounding habit; is rather compact in dry sunny sites - more open in shaded or wetter locations Height 2 - 4ft (5ft) Spread equal or more Growth Rate moderate - rapid Environment: Exposure grows well in both full or partial sun - avoid heavy shade Soil tolerates most; thrives in both clay and sandy soils Hardiness some frost (zones 19-24): prefers sunny sites near coast Morphology: Leaves pinnate, alternate, oval-elliptic; dark green, sparsely covered with hairs; 2-4" long (larger if growing in shaded or wet locations? Flowers bright yellow “daisy” type flowers with brownish centers, 2" across, in open clusters or solitary at ends of stems: April - June, intermittent in summer Fruit a tiny achene Propagation: seed or softwood cuttings Usage: valued as a quick-effects low to mid-sized filler for its profuse flower display in spring months; ideal for informal Mediterranean or desert-theme gardens; good for slopes Landscape Care: Watering thrives on an occasional deep-soaking after established (2x a month in summer); tolerates heavier watering but becomes leggy Fertilizing none required - benefits form a mild feeding in spring Pruning head back and thin out strongly after blooming to control size Pests/Diseases relatively free - subject to root-rot in wet clay sites Special Conditions/Other frequently used as a component of hydroseed mixes for slopes Origin: low coastal sage scrub habitats in coastal regions of Southern California Family: Asteraceae Notes: |
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