Burrobrush

Hymenoclea monogyra T. & G. ex Gray

Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Description

Burrobrush is a native perennial that is also called cheeseweed or cheesebrush because when crushed, the leaves give off an obviously cheeselike odor. This upright shrub usually grows to between 2 and 8 feet tall.

Burrobrush leaves are located alternately along the stem and are generally threadlike, dark green and about 1 to 3 inches long. The thin stems arise from a single base and often arch out and bend toward the ground.

The plant produces clusters of white flowers that bloom in the fall; female and male flowers can occur in the same cluster. The seeds are formed within a winged bur.

Livestock typically avoid burrobrush.