The eye-catching yellow blooms of Virgin River brittlebush (Encelia virginensis) add vibrancy and color to the Mojave Desert landscape. After wet winters (and even wet summers), brittlebush becomes alive with many golden daisy-like flowerheads extruding from this rounded gray-green shrub. During dry portions of the year, this plant drops its leaves to protect itself from excessive water loss. Hairs on the leaves and stems reflect sunlight away keeping the plant cooler. Look for brittlebush along roadsides, open areas, hillsides, and washes throughout Red Rock Canyon.

Start typing and press Enter to search