Desert Broom

The branches were used as brooms by pioneers. Also known as Mexican broom, hierba del pasmo, rosin bush and broom baccharis. A member of the Sunflower Family.

• A shrub that can grow to 10′ in height. The shrub grows very rapidly.
• The plant blooms from September through February. It blooms with small, white flowers in clusters. Male and female blooms are on separate plants.
• White, silky seeds developed by the female plant are carried to a new location by the wind.
• The plant grows along washes and next to the road at from 1,000 to 5,500′ elevation.
• Some Native Americans chew the stems to ease a toothache.