Broom Snakeweed

Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae) is a cheerful little shrub that brings a late-season splash of gold to some of Utah’s driest, sunniest places. Covered in bright yellow blooms from midsummer into fall, Broom Snakeweed is tough as they come and thrives in heat, rocky soil, and just about anywhere the rain forgets to fall.

Despite the name, it’s not really a “weed” in the garden. It’s a compact, bushy plant that pollinators love, especially in wild, dry corners where other flowers won’t grow. While it’s not a classic wildflower, its golden flowers look right at home among them.