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Asteraceae (Compositae)

A small, resinous, many-branched shrub or subshrub, threadleaf snakeweed is in the west an indicator of overgrazed rangelands. The leaves are very thin and linear (thread-like), and the green, slender stems are photosynthetic. It is widespread in the Trans-Pecos to the western edge of the Edwards Plateau, north to Idaho, west to California, and into Mexico. Although it is very drought tolerant, it responds to drought stress by losing its leaves in the heat of summer. Threadleaf snakeweed is very similar to broom snakeweed (G. sarothrae), covered with yellow flowers from June through October; it is mainly distinguished from it by its smaller flower heads with (usually) two florets.

Plant Habit or Use: small shrub

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: yellow

Blooming Period: summer
fall

Fruit Characteristics: achene

Height: to 2 feet

Width: to 3 1/2 feet

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 5

Additional Comments: