Broom snakeweed

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Broom snakeweed

Broom snakeweed

Broom snakeweed flowers

Broom snakeweed

Broom snakeweed

Broom snakeweed

Broom snakeweed

Broom snakeweed inflorescences

Morphology

Stem

Erect to ascending, several to many, bushy-branching from base, woody.

Leaves

Alternate, simple, sessile, linear to nearly filiform, .5 to 2.5 inches long, less than 1/8 inch wide, midrib prominent; margins entire, sometimes rolling inward.

Inflorescence

Numerous clusters of 2-5 heads, terminal; bracts narrow, green at tips and along mid-nerves.

Flower

Ray florets 3-8, less than 1/8 inch long, yellow; disk florets 2-6, yellow.

Fruit

Achenes, short, finely hairy, brown, tipped with 8-10 pointed, whitish scales, enclosing small seed.

Ecology

Habitat

Dry, open prairies, uplands, disturbed rocky or barren sites, most abundant in sandy and clay loam soils.

Distribution

West 1/2 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Toxicity

Toxic to cattle and sheep. When consumed at particular times during pregnancy, it can cause abortions or weak calves and lambs.

Forage Value

Broom snakeweed is unpalatable to livestock, and they will not consume it unless other forage is unavailable.

Uses

Native Americans used broom snakeweed to treat colds, coughs, respiratory difficulties, snakebites, and insect stings.

Additional Notes