Broom Snakeweed
Gutierrezia sarothrae
Also listed as Gutierrezia diversifolia, Gutierrezia lepidota
Also known as Broomweed, Snakeweed, Matchweed
Climate Match for your location
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A low, spreading shrub native to western North America with fine, wiry foliage and tiny yellow flowers in late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and useful for arid landscapes, though sometimes considered invasive in rangelands.
Why grow it
Broom snakeweed establishes quickly in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental shrubs struggle, requiring minimal supplemental water once established. Compared to native alternatives like fourwing saltbush or desert broom, it tolerates particularly poor, well-drained soils and offers fine-textured foliage with late-season yellow flowers. It performs well in xeriscape designs where low maintenance and heat tolerance are priorities, though its small stature (typically 1-3 feet) limits it to foreground or accent roles.
Watch out for
Broom snakeweed prefers sandy or gravelly soils and may struggle in heavy clay without amendment. It benefits from establishment during the cooler months and requires minimal supplemental water once established, though young plants need consistent moisture in their first growing season. This plant can self-seed prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps prevent unwanted spread in managed landscapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low, spreading shrub native to western North America with fine, wiry foliage and tiny yellow flowers in late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and useful for arid landscapes, though sometimes considered invasive in rangelands.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Broom Snakeweed grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Broom snakeweed establishes quickly in arid and semi-arid regions where many ornamental shrubs struggle, requiring minimal supplemental water once established. Compared to native alternatives like fourwing saltbush or desert broom, it tolerates particularly poor, well-drained soils and offers fine-textured foliage with late-season yellow flowers. It performs well in xeriscape designs where low maintenance and heat tolerance are priorities, though its small stature (typically 1-3 feet) limits it to foreground or accent roles.
Watch out for
Broom snakeweed prefers sandy or gravelly soils and may struggle in heavy clay without amendment. It benefits from establishment during the cooler months and requires minimal supplemental water once established, though young plants need consistent moisture in their first growing season. This plant can self-seed prolifically in suitable conditions, so deadheading spent flowers helps prevent unwanted spread in managed landscapes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
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