Thamnosma montana, commonly known as Turpentine Broom, is a perennial shrub native to desert washes and rocky slopes in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a member of the citrus family Rutaceae and is adapted to arid environments. Turpentine Broom typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) with a similar spread. The plant has a distinctive broom-like appearance with straight, yellow-green stems that are usually leafless, except after rains when it briefly produces small, blue-green leaves. The royal purple flowers, which bloom from February to April, are quite showy and have resin glands that exude a strong, turpentine-like scent.

Turpentine Broom is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and desert-themed gardens. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with well-drained soils. While not commonly used in cultivation, it can serve as an interesting specimen in rock gardens or naturalistic landscapes. It is also of ethnobotanical interest due to its traditional use by Native American groups for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. However, gardeners should be aware that it may not be suitable for small spaces or formal garden settings due to its irregular growth habit.CC BY-SA 4.0