Gutierrezia sarothrae

Common Name: Snakeweed, Broom Snakeweed
Oˊodham Name: Siwĭ Taḍṣagĭ (Siwi Tadtshagi) Audio
Group: Shrubs － Desert, Desert Grassland, Madrean Woodland

Description

Gutierrezia sarothrae is a sparsely foliated shrub that inhabits deserts and grasslands between 3000 and 6500 feet elevation. This species also is abundant on disturbed areas and is an indicator of overgrazed rangeland. The grayish green stems and leaves have whitish scales. Leaves are narrowly linear and have a few axillary leaves along their margin. Flowers are formed in clusters and appear after abundant rain. Near and west of Sells, AZ, another species, G arizonica, also is present but at lower elevations.

Classification

Kingdom Plantae － Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta － Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta － Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta － Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida － Dicotyledons

Subclass Asteridae

Order Asterales

Family Asteraceae － Aster family

Genus Gutierrezia Lag. － snakeweed

Species Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby － broom snakeweed

More Information

USDA Plant Profile and Map