 | Burrobrush, Burro-bush, Cheese Bush, Single-whorl Burro-brush Hymenoclea monogyra Asteraceae (Compositae) A common shrub from the Trans-Pecos west to Southern California, burrobrush grows in sandy washes and streams at low to mid-elevations. It is thicket-forming and broomlike, easily distinguished from other mid-sized desert shrubs by its dense, upright branching and its thread-like yellowish-green leaves that are 1 to3 inches long. It flowers profusely in September to October with small whitish heads in clusters; male and female flowers often occur in the same cluster. The fruits have a single whorl of papery wing. Drought-deciduous and drought tolerant, burrobush grows in full sun and needs well-drained soil. It would be useful for erosion control in a naturalistic desert landscape. It is usually avoided by livestock, and its pollen is said to cause irritation.
Plant Habit or Use: small shrub Exposure: sun Flower Color: white, greenish white Blooming Period: fall Fruit Characteristics: whorled winged involucre Height: 3 to 6 feet Width: 3 to 6 feet Plant Character: semievergreen Heat Tolerance: very high Water Requirements: Soil Requirements: adaptable Additional Comments:
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