SafePlants

Brickellia microphylla: Littleleaf Brickellbush

Brickellia microphylla, commonly known as Littleleaf Brickellbush, is a North American shrub belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Other common names include Watson's Brickellbush, Rough Brickellbush and Littleleaf Brickell-bush.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the plant is food for caterpillars, implying potential interactions with insects.
• The plant has small, toothed leaves.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has small, toothed leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brickellia microphylla (Nutt.) A. Gray
• Common Name: Littleleaf Brickellbush
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
• Variety: Brickellia microphylla var. microphylla (Nutt.) A. Gray
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Watson Brickellbush.

Distribution and Habitat

• Brickellia microphylla is widespread across much of the western United States, including Yavapai County, Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Littleleaf Brickellbush is described as a low-growing shrub or subshrub.
• The stems are woolly hairy.
• The leaves are short and toothed.
• The plant is a perennial.

Flowers

• The flowers are small heads of composite flowers, panicled at the ends of branches.
• Ray flowers are absent.
• The disc flowers barely protrude above the purplish phyllaries.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Brickellbushes are a food source for caterpillars.

Quirky Facts

• Brickellbush is described as one of the best smelling California native plants.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life
• PLANT INFORMATION (referencing a search function and checklist)