SafePlants

Brickellia arguta - Pungent Brickellbush

Brickellia arguta, commonly known as pungent brickellbush, is a flowering plant species belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that brickellbushes, in general, possess a "chemical defense."

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that brickellbushes, in general, possess a "chemical defense."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brickellia arguta B.L. Rob.
• Common Name: Pungent brickellbush
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names:
  • Brickellia atractyloides var. arguta
• Varieties: Brickellia arguta var. odontolepis B.L. Rob.

Distribution and Habitat

• Brickellia arguta is native to North America.
• Specifically found in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.

Morphological Characteristics

• It's a shrub or subshrub.
• Growth duration is perennial.

Ecology

• Brickellbushes serve as a food source for caterpillars of certain Lepidoptera species, despite their chemical defenses.

Related Species

• Brickellia atractyloides (Spearleaf Brickellbush, Hollyleaf Brickellbush)
• Brickellia amplexicaulis (Earleaf Brickellbush)
• Brickellia californica (California Brickellbush)
• Brickellia betonicifolia (Betonyleaf Brickellbush)
• Brickellia aramberrana

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Brickellia arguta.
• Dave's Garden is a community where users can share tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.