Range

Mojave and Sonoran deserts of southeastern California, across Nevada to southwestern Utah, western Arizona and northwestern Mexico.

Habitat

Dry slopes and desert washes.

Flowers

Bright yellow flowers bloom March to June. Flower heads grow 2 to 3 inches wide in loosley branched clusters. There are 8 to 18 rays surrounding the yellow center disk.

Description

This member of the sunflower family grows 2 to 5 feet high forming a rounded, leafy bush. Long, ovate, silver-gray leaves are 1 to 4 inches long. Brittle, woody branches contain a fragrant resin. These branches were chewed by Native Americans and burned as incense in California's first churches.

-- A.R Royo