Description
Depending on the surrounding environment, Brittlebush has differing growth habits. Among rocks and boulders in mid-elevation desert foothills Brittlebush becomes upright, stretching out for the sun. Lower in elevation the plant appears as a semicircle mound of leaves hugging the ground. Leaf characteristics can vary depending on water availability. When produced in drier times, they are grayish-white, compact and hairy; the leaves’ solar reflective ability increases making the plant more resilient to the intense sun. With rain, the leaves become large and green, enabling the plant to fully utilize the incoming solar energy. When in bloom radiant yellow flowers are suspended over the mounded body of the plant. The flower stems are narrow and long, giving the inflorescences a unique suspended look. The floral display can usually be seen in early to mid-spring, but it is not unknown for the plant to occasion an off-season bloom if enough water and proper temperatures are present. The fragile branches of Brittlebush are easily broken. Upon this a fine sap weeps from the damaged area; after drying the exudate hardens into crystallized, yellow bead-like droplets.
Distribution
Sub-freezing temperatures limit Brittlebush in elevation and northward expansion. The plant tops out at about 4,000 feet. Here it maintains itself with the help of sun-charged, heat radiating boulders, which help sustain the plant on cold winter nights. At lower elevations, pure stands of Brittlebush can be found growing in huge expanses on open flats and basins. Brittlebush is widespread throughout the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. It can be found from the interior valleys of southern California to the southern tip of Nevada, westward through low elevation Arizona.
Chemistry
Sesquiterpene lactone: farinosin; chromenes: encecalin and demethylenceclin; benzofuran: euparin
Medicinal Uses
The fresh plant tincture works quickly to diminish hayfever reactions. Its drying and antiinflammatory nature is expedient in its effect on sinus and ocular membranes. Use when allergic reaction has caused watery eyes and runny nose. The plant can also limit isolated Poison ivy outbreaks from transmuting into systemic reactions. Brittlebush tends to be diaphoretic and traditionally has been used in treating arthritic conditions aggravated by cold and damp weather. External preparations of the leaves or resin tend to be pain relieving as well. They can be used in accordance with the internal tea or tincture.
Indications
Rhinitis
Poison ivy reactions, systemic
Arthritis (internal and external)
Collection
Collect the hydrated and grayish-green leaves before the plant flowers after seasonal winter-spring rains.
Preparations and Dosage
FPT/DPT (50% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3-4 times daily
Leaf infusion: 4-6 ounces 2-4 times daily
External preparations: as needed
Cautions
Occasionally Brittlebush can elicit a caffeine-like nervous system excitability, so it is not recommended before bed. Moreover do not take the plant during pregnancy or while nursing.
Other Uses
In the past, the collected resin was used as a patching material, similar to Pine pitch, and as a regional incense in colonial era churches.
Are those flowers separate or part of the cactus? Really nice photo.
kokoinmn
Brittlebush
Encelia farinosa
Incienso, Yerba del vaso
Compositae – Sunflower family
Description
Depending on the surrounding environment, Brittlebush has differing growth habits. Among rocks and boulders in mid-elevation desert foothills Brittlebush becomes upright, stretching out for the sun. Lower in elevation the plant appears as a semicircle mound of leaves hugging the ground. Leaf characteristics can vary depending on water availability. When produced in drier times, they are grayish-white, compact and hairy; the leaves’ solar reflective ability increases making the plant more resilient to the intense sun. With rain, the leaves become large and green, enabling the plant to fully utilize the incoming solar energy. When in bloom radiant yellow flowers are suspended over the mounded body of the plant. The flower stems are narrow and long, giving the inflorescences a unique suspended look. The floral display can usually be seen in early to mid-spring, but it is not unknown for the plant to occasion an off-season bloom if enough water and proper temperatures are present. The fragile branches of Brittlebush are easily broken. Upon this a fine sap weeps from the damaged area; after drying the exudate hardens into crystallized, yellow bead-like droplets.
Distribution
Sub-freezing temperatures limit Brittlebush in elevation and northward expansion. The plant tops out at about 4,000 feet. Here it maintains itself with the help of sun-charged, heat radiating boulders, which help sustain the plant on cold winter nights. At lower elevations, pure stands of Brittlebush can be found growing in huge expanses on open flats and basins. Brittlebush is widespread throughout the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. It can be found from the interior valleys of southern California to the southern tip of Nevada, westward through low elevation Arizona.
Chemistry
Sesquiterpene lactone: farinosin; chromenes: encecalin and demethylenceclin; benzofuran: euparin
Medicinal Uses
The fresh plant tincture works quickly to diminish hayfever reactions. Its drying and antiinflammatory nature is expedient in its effect on sinus and ocular membranes. Use when allergic reaction has caused watery eyes and runny nose. The plant can also limit isolated Poison ivy outbreaks from transmuting into systemic reactions. Brittlebush tends to be diaphoretic and traditionally has been used in treating arthritic conditions aggravated by cold and damp weather. External preparations of the leaves or resin tend to be pain relieving as well. They can be used in accordance with the internal tea or tincture.
Indications
Rhinitis
Poison ivy reactions, systemic
Arthritis (internal and external)
Collection
Collect the hydrated and grayish-green leaves before the plant flowers after seasonal winter-spring rains.
Preparations and Dosage
FPT/DPT (50% alcohol): 30-60 drops 3-4 times daily
Leaf infusion: 4-6 ounces 2-4 times daily
External preparations: as needed
Cautions
Occasionally Brittlebush can elicit a caffeine-like nervous system excitability, so it is not recommended before bed. Moreover do not take the plant during pregnancy or while nursing.
Other Uses
In the past, the collected resin was used as a patching material, similar to Pine pitch, and as a regional incense in colonial era churches.
snapcracklepop
Prickly pear cactus behind the brittlebush
snapcracklepop