California Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica)

Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica) is a colorful, fast-growing shrub that is very easy to grow. A member of the Daisy family, its quick growth rate makes it a popular choice for new native and pollinator gardens. Gardeners sometimes choose to remove it after other plants become established. The large yellow flowers bloom from winter to spring and attract butterflies and bees. They are also attractive as cut flowers. After blooming, the seeds provide food for small, seed-eating birds.

Bush Sunflower grows best in full sun and tolerates different soil types. It is native to Southern California and is not cold-tolerant. It needs very little water and will normally go dormant in summer, although some supplemental irrigation can help keep it looking green. Cutting it back encourages healthy, compact new growth, and deadheading spent flowers can prolong the blooming season. As an aggressive spreader, it can crowd out other plants, but it is useful as a groundcover and on slopes.

From Calscape