Broomweed, Broom snakeweed
Gutierrezia sarothrae

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Dry soils of open areas, plains, valleys and foothills. Open or disturbed sites in Texas, often on calcareous soils.

Western N. America - Manitoba to Montana, south to Texas and California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

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

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Cathartic: A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Stings: Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating: 0

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

Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Kindling: Plant material that burns easily and can be used for starting fires.

Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a position in full sun in a deep open well-drained soil. Often found in calcareous soils in the wild. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Plants are sub-shrubs and may die back to the base in winter. Plants have deep taproots and resent root disturbance. 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. Plants are strongly aromatic.

Propagating it: 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

In large quantities this plant can be toxic to grazing animals, possibly due to the presence of saponins.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

G. divaricata. G. juncea.