Hymenoclea salsolia (Cheesebush)

Photographs

My photos:

This plant was in the Palm Canyon wash at Anza Borrego State Park, in February. The photo below shows the entire plant and its surroundings.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Asteraceae

In the garden:

This is an erect or spreading bush, twiggy, to 3 feet tall. It’s herbage is yellowish-green and resinous. The leaves are sparse on this xerophyte. Flowers are small and greenish or whitish—not showy; this is somewhat unusual for a member of the Asteraceae (the Sunflower Family). The pollen of this plant is an important cause of hay fever.

In the wild:

It is commonly found in sandy washes and rocky uplands in desert areas, often in alkaline soils, below 5000 feet.

Ethnobotany:

This plant is a rank-smelling shrub which early settlers thought had the smell of strong cheese. I have not found that it has any particular use.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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