How much sun does Desert broom need?

Desert broom grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Desert broom bloom?

Desert broom blooms in September, October, and November.

Where is Desert broom native?

Desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides) is native to AZ, CA, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Desert broom attract?

Desert broom draws bees, butterflies, and flies.

Desert broom

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Baccharis sarothroides

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–96" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, CA, NM, TX

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, flies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Fast-growing shrub with slender green broom-like stems and reduced leaves, producing masses of small white flowers in fall followed by fluffy wind-dispersed seed heads on female plants. A common pioneer species on disturbed soils and along washes.

Wildlife value

Fall flowers are a major late-season nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other insects when little else is blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Desert broom need?: Desert broom grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Desert broom bloom?: Desert broom blooms in September, October, and November.
Where is Desert broom native?: Desert broom (Baccharis sarothroides) is native to AZ, CA, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Desert broom attract?: Desert broom draws bees, butterflies, and flies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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