Punctuate or Black-stemmed Rabbitbrush

Something that is punctate is marked in some way. In the punctate rabbitbrush, the markings are black bands made on the stems by fungi or insects. These bands are an identifying feature. Rabbitbrush is one of several plants in the desert that a person seems to pass and be unable to identify. Note the dense leaves. Rabbits love the shade and the cover. Rabbitbrush produces brilliant yellow flowers when in bloom.