SafePlants

Brickellia: The Brickellbushes

The genus Brickellia, commonly known as brickellbushes, belongs to the aster family, Asteraceae. This North American genus comprises approximately 100 to 110 species.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Brickellia species are shrubs.
• Some species like Brickellia longifolia can grow to be 3.3 to 4.9 feet tall.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Genus: Brickellia
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
• Common Names: Brickellbush
• Synonyms: Mentions of specific species like *Brickellia californica*, *Brickellia longifolia*, *Brickellia oblongifolia*, *Brickellia coulteri*, *Brickellia floribunda*, *Brickellia nevinii*, *Brickellia grandiflora*, *Brickellia incana*, *Brickellia arguta*, *Brickellia argyrolepis*, *Brickellia atractyloides*, *Brickellia parvula*, *Brickellia mosieri* suggest a diverse range within the genus.

Distribution and Habitat

• Brickellia species are found in North America and northern Mexico.
• Brickellia californica is native to western North America and northern Mexico (Baja).
• The Florida brickell-bush grows in low-nutrient substances, such as sand and organic material found in limestone crevices.
• Specific habitats mentioned include chaparral and sagebrush scrub communities.
• Brickellia oblongifolia (Mojave brickellbush) is widespread across arid and semi-arid regions of North America.

Morphological Characteristics

• Brickellia californica is described as a much-branched, perennial shrub that is woody at the base, reaching 20 to 40 inches in height.
• Brickellia longifolia are shrubs 3.3 to 4.9 feet (10 to 15 dm) tall
• Leaves are alternate, simple, and entire.
• Flower color for Brickellia californica is white.
• Some species are described as having a shrub (stem succulent) growth form.
• Some are perennial herbs with erect, faintly ribbed stems, 1.5 - 5 feet tall.

Quirky Facts

• Brickellia californica, while not the most visually striking plant, is known for having one of the best aromas of any California native plant.
• The numerous, small flower heads often go unnoticed until they mature into puffballs resembling smaller dandelions.

Related Species and Varieties

• Brickellia californica (California Brickellbush)
• Brickellia longifolia
• Brickellia oblongifolia (Mojave Brickellbush)
• Brickellia coulteri (Coulter's Brickellbush or Coulter's Brickellia)
• Brickellia floribunda (Chihuahuan brickellbush or desert brickellbush)
• Brickellia nevinii (Nevin's Brickellbush)
• Brickellia grandiflora (Tasselflower brickellbush, large-flowered brickelbush)
• Brickellia incana (Woolly brickellbush)
• Brickellia arguta (Pungent brickellbush)
• Brickellia argyrolepis
• Brickellia atractyloides
• Brickellia parvula (Mt Davis)
• Brickellia mosieri

Flowering Season

• Brickellia californica typically flowers from August to November.

Ecology and Interactions

• Brickellia californica is found in Chaparral and Sagebrush Scrub communities.

Additional Resources

• BISON Web Link: http://bison.usgs.ornl.gov/api/scientificName/Brickellia%20mosieri
• ITIS Web Link