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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