California bush sunflower (Encelia californica), also known as brittlebush and coastal bush sunflower, is in bloom now at Eaton Canyon.
The sunflowers line both sides of the path from the parking lot to the wash crossing on the way to the waterfall.
In late summer and fall, without any supplemental water in Eaton Canton, they go brown and drops most of their leaves. The paths look like they are lined with dry brush. But after the winter rain comes, they leaf out bright green, and in February, their yellow flowers start to bloom.
In the garden, with supplemental water through the summer, they can stay green year round.
Butterflies and bees love the flowers, and finches will eat the seeds from dried flower heads.
California bush sunflowers grow quickly, and they can be used in new wildlife gardens for plenty of green leaves and flowers as the garden is just starting out. Lightly water them once a week throughout the summer to keep the foliage green, and later they can be thinned as other, slower growing plants fill in.
