Brittle-bush is often seen as it forms a bright splash of yellow on the rocky slopes in the early spring. However, throughout the remainder of the year, this
plant appears to have succumbed to the harshness of the desert because of its lifeless appearance. These small bushes have very brittle stems bearing silvery leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers. The leaves produce a water soluble chemical that acts as a germination inhibitor. During spring rains this chemical drips to the ground, inhibiting annuals from growing around the plant's perimeter.

The woody stems exude a resin which has been burned as incense, chewed as gum by Indians, melted and used as a pain reliever, and as a varnish.