Common Broomweed

Common Broomweed, Prairie Broomweed

Amphiachyris dracunculoides (DC.) Nutt.
[formerly Gutierrezia dracunculoides (DC.) S. F. Blake]

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

▲ ▼ young plants

▲ young mature plants

▲ ▼ flowering plants

▲ ▼ flower detail

▲ ▼ flower detail

▲ ▼ flower detail

▲ ▼ mature plants after flowering

▲ population of common broomweed along rocks along roadside in Missouri

Amphiachyris dracunculoides (DC.) Nutt. [formerly Gutierrezia dracunculoides (DC.) S. F. Blake], Common Broomweed, Prairie Broomweed: (Bayer Code: GUEDR; US Code AMDR)

  • A much branched, annual with “tree-shaped growth habit" (single stem below, much-branched in top portion)
  • Has linear, medium to light-green leaves with slightly toothed, rolled-under margins
  • Produces tiny, yellow flower-heads at the tips of branches in late summer to early fall
  • Grows 12-36 inches tall and may be toxic to livestock, if grazed, but usually avoided
  • A somewhat similar-appearing species, broom snakeweed, is a simple perennial weed, often globe-shaped rather than tree-shaped, with much branching arising from base of stem; broom snakeweed is found in dryer soils, more in western Midwest prairies and rangeland

(Updated January 19, 2019)

Go to Midwest Weeds and Wildflowers Home Page