Article Provided by:
New Mexico State University http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs
Snakeweeds (broom, Gutierrezia sarothrae; threadleaf, G. microcephala) are native perennial half-shrubs common on rangelands throughout New Mexico. Threadleaf grows primarily in the southern desert, whereas broom is more important on blue grama grasslands. During favorable rainfall periods snakeweed populations often thrive at exceptionally high plant densities. The principal concern with snakeweed is that when it becomes dominant and forms a near monoculture on once productive grassland, it crowds out more desirable forage. Snakeweeds are rarely eaten by any large herbivore and while snakeweed poisoning problems cannot be discounted, it is the plant’s competitive nature that causes major economic hardship to livestock producers.
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