Skip to main content

Brickellia californica - California brickellbush

Scientific Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Bulbostylis californica
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
6-1/2 feet
Riparian
No
A sub-shrub or forb with many slender, upright and wide spreading branching stems that annually die back to a few inches from the ground. Can appear woody. Supported by tap and lateral roots.
Hairy stems; heart-shaped leaves that are pointed; florets 8–30 per inflorescence; pappi are bristles

Habitat

Dry, rocky hillsides, arroyos and canyons.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
7500

Flower Characteristics

Inflorescence is series of narrow and cylindrical racemes to about 1/2 inch long occurring at stem branch ends in drooping clusters. Has many small bracts and collections of 8 to 18 fragrant disc flowers about 1/4 inch long. Color may include some red.
Flower color
Yellowish-white to pale yellow-green
Flower shape
Daisy or dandelion-like
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated

Leaf and Stem Characteristics

Length and width each about 2-1/3 inches. Leaves are aromatic.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Triangular
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf attachment
Alternate
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No

Fruit and Seed Characteristics

Hairy and cylindrical to 1/8 inch long with white to brownish end bristles.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Olive green to brown