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(Ambrosia salsola)
Burrobrush (Ambrosia salsola)
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Randal
Public Domain
Image By:
Randal
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Randal | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Randal | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-02-14T09:24:14-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ambrosia salsola, commonly known as Burrobrush or Cheesebush, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous shrub native to the desert regions and arid shrublands of the Southwestern United States, California and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-8 feet, adapting well to the harsh conditions of its native habitat. The plant’s form is rounded with dense branching, and it produces an array of cream, pink, yellow, and white flowers in the spring, which are small and not particularly showy. During periods of intense heat and drought, Burrobrush exhibits drought deciduous behavior by shedding about half of its leaves and some twigs to conserve water. The foliage and stem tips, when crushed, emit a strong, pungent, cheese-like odor, which is the origin of its common name "Cheesebush".
Burrobrush is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping, natural desert gardens, and habitat restoration projects. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal water once established and thrives in full sun with well-drained soils. While it is not typically grown for its flowers, the plant provides excellent erosion control and can serve as a windbreak or privacy screen in arid landscapes. Due to its adaptability to extreme conditions, it is a suitable choice for challenging sites where other plants might struggle to survive.CC BY-SA 4.0
Burrobrush is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping, natural desert gardens, and habitat restoration projects. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal water once established and thrives in full sun with well-drained soils. While it is not typically grown for its flowers, the plant provides excellent erosion control and can serve as a windbreak or privacy screen in arid landscapes. Due to its adaptability to extreme conditions, it is a suitable choice for challenging sites where other plants might struggle to survive.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-8 feet
- Width: 2-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to the desert regions and arid shrublands of the Southwestern United States, California and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Cheesebush, Winged Ragweed, White Burrobrush, Desert Pearl
Scientific Names: , Ambrosia salsola, Hymenoclea salsola, Hymenoclea salsola var. patula,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ambrosia salsola (Torr. & A.Gray) Strother & B.G.Baldwin