Baccharis Species, Desert Broom, Greasewood, Groundsel, Rosin-Brush

When carefully pruned, this plant can be gorgeous. In Arizona, we call it "Snow-on-the-mountain", for the white blooms (like dandelion f...Read Moreliers). It retains its greenery all winter long, which is very welcome when most other native vegetation beds down to subtle, sandy colors during the cold.

Desert broom is a native plant in my yard, in Apache junction, Az. It will grow in the worst soil, and high heat, with very little water....Read More

It grows in my wash, where it helps collect organic matter for the soil , when the water flows. It is very invasive,but it does have it's place, growing where nothing else will grow.

Desert Broom is probably my biggest invasive-plant problem. One plant will set thousands of seeds that float through the air on any ligh...Read Moret breeze. One year there were so many my daughter thought it might be snowing! They germinate readily with any moisture in the soil, (such as in an established flowerbed or lawn), form long, strong taproots quickly, and are extremely difficult to eradicate. Roundup has little or no effect on an established plant when applied to the foliage as directed. It may be effective when applied to a freshly-cut stump.

Plants also become large and woody, with all leaves appearing along new growth. Appearance may be improved by severe pruning to reestablish new growth down at the base of the plant.

Desert Broom Baccharis sarothroides is Native to Texas and other States.