Encelia virginensis is a North American species of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae known by the common name Virgin River brittlebush. This shrub is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, particularly the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert. It has been found in Baja California, southern California, Nevada, Arizona, southwestern Utah, and southwestern New Mexico.Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map, Encelia virginensis
Encelia virginensis is a bushy, sprawling shrub reaching heights between 100 and 150 cm (40-60 inches). It has many branches, with the younger parts hairy and the older stems developing a thickened bark. The gray-green, fuzzy to hairy foliage may be sparse, appearing pale because of the presence of many small hairs on the surface. Atop many erect, hairy stems are solitary daisy-like flower heads with 11 to 21 ray florets which are generally yellow, and a center of yellow disc florets. The fruit is an achene 5 to 8 millimeters long and usually lacking a pappus.Flora of North America, Encelia virginensis A. NelsonNelson, Aven 1904. Botanical Gazette 37(4): 272–273
Varieties Encelia virginensis var. actonii (Elmer) B.L.Turner - California, Nevada, Baja CaliforniaBiota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map, Encelia actoni Calflora taxon report, University of California, Encelia actoni Elmer, Acton brittlebushFlora of North America, Encelia actoni Elmer Encelia virginensis var. virginensis - southern California, Nevada, Arizona, southwestern Utah, and southwestern New MexicoCalflora taxon report, University of California, Encelia virginensis Nelson, Virgin River brittlebush
References
External links
Calflora Database: Encelia virginensis (Virgin River brittlebush, Virgin River encelia) Jepson Manual eFlora (TJM2) treatment of Encelia virginensis USDA Plants Profile for Encelia virginensis (Virgin River brittlebush) UC Calphotos gallery of Encelia virginensis