Baccharis sarothroides aka Broom Baccharis

Baccharis sarothroides, or desert broom, belongs to the aster family. Its native range spans California to Texas and northern Mexico. It grows along sandy desert streams and on floodplains. It also colonizes road cuts and other disturbed ground. This shrub grows fast and forms many close-set branches. Garden plants reach about 3–10 feet [1–3 metres] tall. They can spread to 10 feet [3 metres]. Ideal sites may support heights of 13 feet [4 metres].

The narrow, upright form gives this shrub its common name. Slender green twigs have clear angles and dense branching. These stems keep making food when the plant sheds leaves. The alternate leaves are narrow and sometimes shrink to scales. Drought can cause them to fall. Leaves are bright green on both sides and sometimes sticky. Their edges may be smooth or toothed. Older bark turns gray-brown and develops ridges and grooves.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Small white flowerheads appear in early winter. They lack the showy rays found on many other asters. Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers. Female plants form small dry fruits with long white bristles. This pappus gives fruiting shrubs a pale, fluffy look. The loose fluff can cause a mess in gardens. Male plants avoid this problem and do not produce seeds.

Grow desert broom in full sun with good drainage. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, including soils low in nutrients. It accepts neutral to strongly alkaline ground and tolerates salt. It can grow in dry or moist soil. Established plants withstand drought and desert heat. The listed USDA hardiness range is zones 8–11. It is easy to grow but can become weedy on disturbed sites. Dense growth makes a useful screen, windbreak, and wildlife shelter. Roots help hold stream banks and trap loose soil. Late flowers feed insects, while birds use the branches for cover.

Seeds have limited use as a tea ingredient. Strain the drink well to remove the fine pappus hairs. The leaves and young shoots are not suitable food. Their bitter compounds and oils may irritate skin, mouth, and throat. The source gives no established medicinal use. No specific pests or diseases appear in the supplied evidence.