Broom Snakeweed
(Gutierrezia sarothrae)
Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae)
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CK Kelly
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
CK Kelly
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: CK Kelly | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: CK Kelly | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-09-21T21:43:16Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gutierrezia sarothrae, commonly known as Broom Snakeweed, is a perennial subshrub native to a range of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and desert scrub in the Western and Central USA, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. It typically grows from 20 to 100 centimeters (8 to 39+1⁄2 inches) in height. Broom Snakeweed has green to brown, bushy, herbaceous stems that branch upwards from a woody base, creating a broom-like appearance, especially after the stems die back during dormancy. From mid-July to September, it produces dense clusters of small, yellow ray and disk flowers that are quite showy, giving the plant a domed or fan-shaped silhouette when in bloom.
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in disturbed areas, making it a useful species for restoration projects and xeriscaping. It is also appreciated for its late summer to early fall flowering period, which provides color when many other plants have ceased blooming. Broom Snakeweed is adaptable to a wide variety of soil types, preferring full sun and good drainage. It grows best in clay loams of alluvial slopes, and shallow, rocky, or sandy soils, but performs poorly in saline or alkaline conditions. It requires medium amounts of water and can handle a range of drainage speeds. However, it can become invasive in some areas, and its aggressive seeding can lead to dominance in overgrazed pastures.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in disturbed areas, making it a useful species for restoration projects and xeriscaping. It is also appreciated for its late summer to early fall flowering period, which provides color when many other plants have ceased blooming. Broom Snakeweed is adaptable to a wide variety of soil types, preferring full sun and good drainage. It grows best in clay loams of alluvial slopes, and shallow, rocky, or sandy soils, but performs poorly in saline or alkaline conditions. It requires medium amounts of water and can handle a range of drainage speeds. However, it can become invasive in some areas, and its aggressive seeding can lead to dominance in overgrazed pastures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub, Herb
- Height: 0.7-3 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands, open woodlands, and desert scrub
Other Names
Common Names: Matchbrush, Kindlingweed, Texas Snakeweed, Broomweed, Stinkweed, Turpentine Weed, Yellow Top, Matchweed, Gutierrézie Faux-Sarothra
Scientific Names: , Gutierrezia sarothrae, Xanthocephalum sarothrae, Gutierrezia euthamiae, Gutierrezia diversifolia, Gutierrezia juncea, Gutierrezia tenuis, Gutierrezia ionensis, Gutierrezia longifolia, Gutierrezia linearifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Gutierrezia sarothrae (Pursh) Britton & Rusby