Encelia actoni – “Acton Encelia”

Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Feb-Jul
Form: Perennial shrub
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Leaves: Ovate to lanceolate; alternate
Translation: “Encelia” is named for Christoph Entzelt (1517-1583), German naturalist, clergyman and author; “actoni” is named for the town of Acton, California.
Notes: Like other species in the Encelia genus, Acton’s not only displays variation from plant to plant but also hybridizes (interbreeds) promiscuously with other species of Encelia such as White Brittlebrush (Encelia farinosa) and Virgin River Brittlebrush (Encelia virginensis). These factors can complicate identification.
Animal Associations: Nectar source for Honey Bees. Winter food plant for the Desert Bighorn sheep.