Cheesebush

Ambrosia salsola

Formerly Hymenoclea salsola. Rounded feathery-branched drought-deciduous shrub up to 10 ft. tall with clusters of white or yellow small flowers, blooming February to June. Adapted to well-drained, sandy, alkaline soils in sandy washes, alluvial fans and rocky slopes; up to 6,000 ft. elevation. Commonly occurs with Creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), Catclaw acacia (Senegalia greggii), saltbush (Atriplex spp.), palo verde (Parkinsonia spp.) and in Joshua tree and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Crushed foliage has a cheesy odor. Excellent pioneer after disturbance. Hybridizes with White bursage (A. dumosa). Moderately allergenic pollen.