COKPOSITAE 



There are several other species of Franseria in the southwest, 

 most of which are considered weeds. They are for the most part un- 

 palatable and some have burs resembling cockleburs. One of the nost 

 outstanding of these rani: weeds is .?, ambrosioides , which is a com- 

 mon sight along the sandy draws from Tucson, Arizona westward. It 

 has rather long, coarse leaves with serrate-dentate margins and 

 slender petioles. As it grows along the edger of washes it has some 

 value as an erosion control plant. It is not, however, recommended 

 for planting. 



Bncclia farinosa , Vihite Brittiebush, is a common shrub in 

 the hot, dry regions of southern Arizona as well as northern Mexico. 

 It has grayish leaves arid bright yellow f lowers. It constitutes 

 an almost complete ground cover in places and may be significant as 

 a soil binder. It, however, does not have a good root system or a 

 low-spreading habit so characteristic of excellent erosion control 

 plants. It is browsed slightly. As a hay fever inducer this rates 

 high. 



Br i ek e? l ie squamulosa , Brickollbush, In the draws and bottoms 

 about Hillsboro, Hew Mexico, is a perennial plant with a woody base 

 end with abundant straight stems. It somewhat resembles rabbit 

 brush. The base:, of the plants are thick and well rooted and consti- 

 tute excellent soil binders. Vfliolo bottoms in this vicinity are 

 hold in plo.ee by this plant. Its soil binding properties seem to 

 be all to recommend it, as it is useless as forage or nearly so. 

 There are several other Brickellias which occur in the southwest, 

 some of which are reported to be fair forage. Further work is re- 

 quired to determine their value as erosion control plants. 



Oxytenia a ceres a ic a perennial composite which resembles 

 slightly a sage. It is shrubby at the base and has a strong 

 rhizomatous root system. It occur;; in cry alkali flats in south- 

 western Colorado and adjacent Utah and Arizona where it forms pure 

 stands. It is incomparable for erosion control in these areas and 

 is browsed to some extent, probably only as a starvation diet. 

 Selenium tests have been run on this plant and not more than a 

 trace has been found. It, however, has been definitely proved to 

 be a serious stock poison and must not be considered in any erosion 

 control program. 



Ma lamped I. urn leucant hum is a low perennial composite with 

 ho.ndso.me white rays. Its only possible value is as an ornamental 

 but for this purpose it should have a distinct place in the south- 

 western flower garden. It is abundant on many dry plains and rocky 

 foothills. 



Flourensia cernus, Tar Bush, is a glutinous composite shrub 



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