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Desert Broom

Baccharis sarothroides

true

1 gallon

Desert Broom

In stock

12'x6'

Sizes:

Desert Broom – Baccharis sarothroides
Also known as: Groundsel Bush

Desert Broom is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub native to the Sonoran Desert, including the Coachella Valley. It has a rounded, upright form and reaches 4 to 8 feet tall, with slender green stems and tiny, narrow leaves. This tough and adaptable plant thrives in arid conditions, tolerating poor soils and extreme heat. It is especially valuable in desert revegetation and restoration projects due to its ability to stabilize soil and provide wildlife cover.

Although highly drought-tolerant and capable of surviving on rainfall alone, Desert Broom may die back during prolonged droughts. On the other hand, excess irrigation can lead to overly vigorous or “leggy” growth. For best results, plant in full sun and provide no more than one or two deep soakings per season once established. Pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.

It works well as a screen, space definer, or wildlife hedge, blending seamlessly into native landscapes. In late fall, female plants produce masses of fluffy white seed heads that glow in the sunlight and attract pollinators, while male plants bear more discreet flowers.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Documented for various native moth species (family Noctuidae)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Leda Ministreak (Ministrymon leda)
Bird Resources: Shelter; Nest Sites
Bird Species: Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps); Abert’s Towhee (Melozone aberti); Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

12'x6'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Cream

Flower season:

Year Round

Pruning:

Tall leggy plants may be cut back to near ground level to stimulate regrowth from base resulting in a full bushy plant.

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.