Common throughout the Southwest, particularly on overgrazed rangelands
and deserted clearings, this plant, also called “matchweed” or
“turpentine-weed,” often occurs in almost pure stands. The resinous
stems burn readily, throwing off black smoke. Most abundant on dry hills
and mesas, 3,000 to 6,000 feet elevation, this perennial is found from
1,000 to 7,000 feet, blossoming from June to October. Bees obtain nectar
and pollen from the small but densely crowded, yellow flower clusters.
The many stiff, upright branches cause some plants to appear almost
globular in shape and a foot to 2 feet in diameter. Plants of this genus
are reported as poisonous to sheep and goats if eaten in quantity, but
are apparently unpalatable, as they are rarely grazed.
_Gutierrezia lucida_ Sunflower Family
[Illustration: SNAKE-WEED]