Brittle Bush

Northeast of the Salton Sea is a weather worn area known as Box Canyon.  Eroded by water and wind, the hills take on a erie look but come alive when the wildflowers are in bloom.  This brittle bush, Encelia farinosa, has yellow daisy like flowers and love to grow on rocky hillsides and in sandy bajadas.  As the flowers die, they stand tall on dried "brittle" stalks above the parent bush.  Early missionaries used to burn the resin for incense.

"Brittle Bush"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

The Hills are Yellow

Yes, there are still lots of wildflowers in bloom.  You just have to know where to look.  This hillside in Joshua Tree National Park is covered with lots of Brittle Bush.  They make a nice backdrop for the orange Apricot Mallow in the foreground. 

"The Hills are Yellow"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Spring in the Canyon

It's almost Spring but the brittle bush was in bloom today at Indian Canyon. The rest of our hopeful wildflower show hasn't started yet but we're hopeful that we'll have a a lot of blooms this year.

"Blossoms in the Canyon" © Kathy Dunham 2009