Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Cheesebush, Winged Ragweed, Burrobush, White Burrobrush, and Desert Pearl
- Synonyms: Hymenoclea salsola, Ambrosia salsola
- Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
- Genus Information:
Ambrosia salsola
Burrobush
It has thin stems and narrow, needlelike leaves. Leaves are narrow and needlelike (linear), thread-like (filiform), sometimes up to 65 mm (2.6 in) long but a mere 1.5 mm (0.059 in) across. The foliage and stem tips have a foul, pungent, cheese-like scent when crushed, a trait which gives the plant the common name cheesebush. This species, notable for its foul smell, easily hybridizes with the white bur-sage (Ambrosia dumosa).
