Translate this page:

Summary

Physical Characteristics

Gutierrezia sarothrae is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

G. divaricata. G. juncea.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antirheumatic Astringent Cancer Cathartic Diuretic Laxative Pectoral Sedative
Skin Stings Stomachic

Broomweed was widely employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. A decoction of the roots has been used in the treatment of painful urination, diarrhoea and stomach aches[257]. The roots have been placed in boiling water and the steam inhaled in the treatment of respiratory complaints[257]. The flowers are laxative[257]. A decoction of the fresh flowers has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257]. The leaves are cathartic, febrifuge and sedative[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds[257]. It has also been used as a bath to treat fevers and sores, including those caused by venereal diseases[257]. A poultice of the moistened leaves has been used to treat bruises, wounds, sprains, nose bleeds and insect stings[257]. A protein in the plant is reported to have anti-cancer activity[274]. A strong, black infusion of the plant has been used as a rub on rheumatic joints[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

Our Latest books on Perennial Plants For Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens in paperback or digital formats.

Edible Tropical Plants

Food Forest Plants for Hotter Conditions: 250+ Plants For Tropical Food Forests & Permaculture Gardens.

Edible Temperate Plants

Plants for Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests & Permaculture Gardens.

PFAF have eight books available in paperback and digital media.

More Books

PFAF have eight books available in paperback and digital formats. Browse the shop for more information.

Shop Now

Other Uses

Broom Dye Insecticide Kindling Soap

The twigs are tied to sticks and used as brooms[61, 257, 274]. The dried twigs were used as a kindling for starting fires[274]. A yellow dye can be made from the plant tops[257]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a pleasant and refreshing bath[257]. The chewed leaf juice has an intoxication effect on bees and can kill them[257].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a position in full sun in a deep open well-drained soil[200]. Often found in calcareous soils in the wild[274]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Plants are sub-shrubs and may die back to the base in winter[200]. Plants have deep taproots and resent root disturbance[200]. They should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible. Because it is unpalatable to livestock, this plant is often an indicator of overgrazed land[274]. Plants are strongly aromatic[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

Shop Now

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick the plants out into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, using deep pots to accommodate the tap root. Grow on for the first winter in a greenhouse and plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer[200]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba), United States (Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah), Mexico (Baja California (Norte), Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Sonora, Zacatecas)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Gutierrezia sarothrae - (Pursh.)Britton.&Rusby.