Some sage advice

Photo by Ned Harris, 11/9/11

Triangleleaf Bursage (Ambrosia deltoidea) is sometimes mistaken for Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) (and vice versa); especially when neither is blooming and/or they get limited water. Their leaves are the same basic shape and can be the same size. But you need never make the Bursage/Brittlebush error; just take a closer look at the leaves. If the edges are serrated (as above, click for larger), you are looking at Triangleleaf Bursage. If not, then at least you know what you aren't looking at. That's something.