Broom Snakeweed

gutierrezia sarothrae

Also known as: ["Snakeweed","Broomweed","Yellow Snakeweed"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Gutierrezia Category: Shrubs

Overview

A small, shrubby plant with yellow flowers, native to arid regions of North America.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Gutierrezia
Botanical Name: Gutierrezia sarothrae

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: dry, open areas, rock gardens, or xeriscapes
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–18–38°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade in extreme heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure proper ventilation if grown indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun lover; rotate regularly for even growth; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 2–3 weeks, less in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 7.0–8.0).

Ensure fast drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; use sandy mix.

Temperature

Thrives in warm to hot conditions (65–95°F or 18–35°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers arid climates.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in heat.

Fertilizing

rarely required, annually if needed

Avoid over-fertilizing; use a balanced formula; reduce feeding in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), high humidity, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and cactus/succulent soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to a healthy bud or lateral branch; remove dead or crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead growth; shape the plant.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; ensure drainage holes are present.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot only when root-bound; typically every 2–3 years.

Checklist

Check root-bound status; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; minimal root disturbance.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid foliage wetting.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the root zone precisely.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; use cactus mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or browning in extreme heat; stunted growth or dieback in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may suffer leaf damage or dieback in freezing temperatures; susceptible to root rot in cold, wet soil.

Solution: Provide winter protection in cold climates; improve soil drainage; move potted plants to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

May wilt or show signs of scorching in extreme heat; reduced flowering if heat is excessive.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency slightly; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Fertilize sparingly, if at all; use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength every 6–8 weeks during growing season.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Gutierrezia sarothrae may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or infestation by pests such as aphids or spider mites, which can disrupt chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Gutierrezia sarothrae is typically a response to water stress, either due to drought conditions or overwatering leading to root suffocation, which affects the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Gutierrezia sarothrae are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to necrotic lesions that can reduce photosynthetic efficiency and weaken the plant's overall health.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Gutierrezia sarothrae is often caused by excessive moisture and poor drainage, leading to fungal infections that decompose plant tissues and impair nutrient uptake.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to liver damage from the pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in Gutierrezia sarothrae. Even small amounts can be harmful due to their smaller body size.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy anorexia jaundice
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Gutierrezia sarothrae can lead to liver toxicity in dogs if ingested in significant quantities. Chronic exposure may result in severe liver damage.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting lethargy loss of appetite jaundice
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Gutierrezia sarothrae contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage upon ingestion. The toxicity is cumulative and may not manifest immediately.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain liver damage
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Wear gloves when handling to prevent accidental consumption.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Broom Snakeweed toxic to livestock?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities.

Q: Does Broom Snakeweed require much water?

A: No, it is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in arid conditions.

Q: Does Broom Snakeweed attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its yellow flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 2–3 weeks, less in win
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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