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Baccharis sarothroides: Desert Broom

Baccharis sarothroides, commonly known as desert broom, is a flowering shrub native to North America. Other common names include greasewood, rosin bush, groundsel, and broom baccharis. It is sometimes referred to as Arizona baccharis, although that common name is also associated with Baccharis thesioides.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Baccharis sarothroides
• Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Baccharis sarothroides A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.
• Found in the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas) and Mexico.
• Grows in desert, desert grassland, and chaparral environments.
• Typically found at elevations ranging from 1000 to 5000 feet.

Morphological Characteristics

• Shrubs ranging in size from 30-400 cm.
• Stems are clustered, spreading to ascending, and green to tan in color.
• Stems are simple proximally, sparingly branched distally, striate-angled, and glabrous or sparsely pubescent.

Ecological Role

• Desert broom has shown phytoremediation potential, specifically in the context of growing on mine tailings.
• It can be one of the first plants to invade disturbed areas.

Baccharis thesioides

Baccharis thesioides, also known as Arizona Baccharis, Arizona Seepwillow, or Mogollon baccharis, is another species in the Baccharis genus. Some sources state that B. thesioides looks like a scaled-down version of Baccharis salicifolia. It is widespread in Mexico and the Southwestern U.S.A., including Arizona.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Arizona Powdered-Skipper caterpillars utilize Seep willow (Baccharis salicifolia).

Further Information

• More information can be found at the University of Arizona's Yavapai Plants website.
• Discover Life offers a page on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Baccharis thesioides.