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Cheesebush (Ambrosia salsola var. salsola)

Cheesebush is a low shrub commonly seen in desert washes like Ella Wash, flats like the parking lot at Little Surprise Canyon, and alluvial fans like Desert Gardens.

In the dry months of summer and fall, its branches and narrow leaves have a straw or golden color. Over the winter, especially with rain, the leaves and branches start to turn green. If you look closely, in January or February, you should be able to notice tiny buds.

Cheesebush (Ambrosia salsola var. salsola)
Asteraceae

Cheesebush is unisexual. Some of a plants buds, flowers, and fruits are male, some are female. In the photo below, the male buds are golden to red in color, tapered, and clustered. The female buds are green like the branches and leaves.

Note also the shape of the leaves, and how tiny they are. This is an important element in identifying Cheesebush in the field.

Male and Female Buds

Cheesebush is at its most colorful when it is in fruit. The leaf-like bracts of the female flower open and spread, making the fruit look like a flower.

Cheesebush (Ambrosia salsola var. salsola)
Asteraceae