SafePlants

Broomweed: A Multifaceted Plant

Broomweed is a common name applied to several plant species, encompassing various genera and exhibiting a range of characteristics. This overview explores different aspects of plants known as broomweed, drawing from available information.

Considerations for Pets

• Perennial broomweed is noted as a toxic plant.

Considerations for Children

• Broom is a bitter narcotic herb.
• Some broomweed species have rigid woody branches with sticky foliage.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Several species including Gutierrezia sarothrae, Amphiachyris dracunculoides, and Scoparia dulcis.
• Common Names: Broomweed, Annual Broomweed, Prairie Broomweed, Common Broomweed, Broom Snakeweed, Sweet Broomweed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family) for some species like Gutierrezia sarothrae and Amphiachyris dracunculoides, Scrophulariaceae for Scoparia dulcis.
• Synonyms: Xanthocephalum dracunculoides is a synonym for Amphiachyris dracunculoides. G. divaricata and G. juncea are synonyms for Broom snakeweed.

Distribution and Habitat

• Broomweed species are native to central and southern Europe, warm-season native plants to the south central United States, and grow throughout the United States along the Eastern coastline and across the Pacific Northwest.
• Sweet broomweed (Scoparia dulcis) is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Ecological Role

• Annual broomweed increases dramatically in the Cross Timbers of North Central Texas following overgrazing.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Annual broomweed has a single stem growing 15 to 30 inches tall, branching in the upper section.
• Perennial broomweed is a short-lived, perennial half-shrub ranging from 6 inches to about 2 feet tall with many unbranched, erect stems.
• Stems can be solitary, 1/5 to 4/5 inches in diameter, with bushy branching in the upper half.
• Leaves are alternate, numerous, linear or linear-lanceolate, measuring .2 to 2.4 inches. Leaves on some varieties are narrow and drop early.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The canopy structure of broomweed may provide habitat cover for some organisms.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

• Broom has historical medicinal uses as a bitter narcotic herb to depress the respiration and regulate heart action.
• Sweet broomweed (Scoparia dulcis) is an edible perennial medicinal herb.
• The plant family is related to foxglove, which is used to produce the heart drug digitalis.