Encelia frutescens is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names button brittlebush and bush encelia.

The Encelia frutescens flower heads usually, but not always, lack ray florets and are composed of only a disc packed with disc florets.

The flat, light fruits are wind dispersed.

This is an occasional food plant for the desert tortoise.

It is one of the first plants to colonize disturbed or burned sites.