Broom Snakeweed
Broom snakeweed is a small perennial flower or subshrub that makes an excellent addition to low water landscapes. It is a native plant found in open, dry plains of the western US.
It grows as a tidy green mound of tiny leaves for most of the year, then becomes covered in small, golden yellow blooms in late summer. It is very similar to dwarf blue rabbitbrush, but smaller in size and with greener leaves.
Broom Snakeweed
Broom snakeweed is a small perennial flower or subshrub that makes an excellent addition to low water landscapes. It is a native plant found in open, dry plains of the western US.
It grows as a tidy green mound of tiny leaves for most of the year, then becomes covered in small, golden yellow blooms in late summer. It is very similar to dwarf blue rabbitbrush, but smaller in size and with greener leaves.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Gutierrezia sarothrae
Pronunciation
gut-er-REE-zia sa-ROTH-ree
Mature Height
12 to 18 in.
Mature Spread
12 to 18 in.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
golden yellow
Bloom time
late summer (Aug-Sep)
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
native to western US
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 3-6
Elevation Limit
hardy to 10,000 ft.
Performance
We've had this plant in our Native Shrub Walk for several years. It receives very little supplemental water, but performs well year after year. It has proven to be a very good low-water, low-maintenance flowering perennial.
Maintenance
Cut stems to ground level in late winter before new growth begins in spring.