Picrothamnus desertorum
Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., n. s. 7: 417. 1841.
IllustratedEndemic
Synonyms: Artemisia spinescens D. C. Eaton
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 19. Treatment on page 499.
Stems diffusely branched from bases, some laterals ending in spinelike tips. Leaf blades or lobes orbiculate to linear, 1–5(–20) × 1–5(–20) mm. Phyllaries whitish green. Cypselae 1–1.5 mm. 2n = 18, 36.
Phenology: Flowering Apr–Jun.
Habitat: Arid slopes and valleys, sands or clays, sometimes saline soils
Elevation: 1800–2200 m
Distribution
Ariz., Calif., Colo., Idaho, Mont., Nev., N.Mex., Oreg., Utah, Wyo.
Discussion
Budsage provides nutritious forage for wildlife and domestic sheep in winter; it can be poisonous or fatal to calves and lambs, if consumed in great quantity during spring months.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.