Broom and threadleaf snakeweed (broomweed)
Gutierrezia sarothrae, G. microcephala
- Plant type
- shrub
- Settings
- Rangeland, Disturbed ground
- Risk
- Moderate risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Resinous many-branched shrub with yellow flower heads; broom snakeweed has three or more ray flowers per head, threadleaf two or fewer; large amounts point to overgrazed or disturbed range (ARS, Merck).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Keep pregnant does off dense stands during fast growth.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Saponins and terpene acids (toxin not fully known)
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and stems
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. ARS: causes abortion in cattle. Merck lists goats. Langston lists broomweed for abortion in goats.
Signs in goats
Listlessness, weight loss, nasal discharge, abortion and weak newborns (ARS, Merck).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Most toxic during leaf formation and fast early growth (ARS).
Sources
- USDA ARS Poisonous Plant Research Lab: Broom and Threadleaf Snakeweed
- Second source (merckvetmanual.com)
Links last checked: 2026-10-31