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(Ambrosia dumosa)
Burrobush (Ambrosia dumosa)
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Larry Blakely
Public Domain
Image By:
Larry Blakely
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Larry Blakely | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/ | Attribution: 1998 Larry Blakely | Publisher: Calphotos |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ambrosia dumosa, commonly known as Burrobush, is a drought-deciduous shrub native to desert scrub and sandy soils of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It typically ranges from 20 to 90 cm in height and is characterized by its highly branched structure with younger stems covered in soft gray-white hairs. The inflorescence is yellow, with both staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers on the same plant (monoecious). Staminate heads are numerous, 3 to 5 mm in diameter, with a 5 to 8 lobed involucre, while pistillate heads have 2 flowers and lack corollas. Burrobush is well adapted to its arid environment, becoming dormant during droughts to conserve water, during which it can be identified by the longitudinal stripes on its smaller stems.
Burrobush is valued for its ability to thrive in desert landscapes and xeriscaping, requiring minimal water once established. It is often used in naturalistic plantings and habitat restoration projects. Its low water needs and ability to grow in soils with fast to medium drainage make it suitable for cultivation in arid regions. Full sun is essential for optimal growth. While it is generally disease-free, it can be a source of allergens due to its pollen.CC BY-SA 4.0
Burrobush is valued for its ability to thrive in desert landscapes and xeriscaping, requiring minimal water once established. It is often used in naturalistic plantings and habitat restoration projects. Its low water needs and ability to grow in soils with fast to medium drainage make it suitable for cultivation in arid regions. Full sun is essential for optimal growth. While it is generally disease-free, it can be a source of allergens due to its pollen.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Winter
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Desert scrub and sandy soils of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Bur-Sage, White Bur-Sage, White Bursage
Scientific Names: , Ambrosia dumosa, Franseria dumosa, Franseria albicaulis, Franseria dumosa var. dumosa, Gaertneria dumosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ambrosia dumosa (A.Gray) Payne