Coyote Weed is the common name given to a shrub found across the arid landscapes of North America, particularly in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico. It is frequently encountered in dry washes, disturbed soils, and along roadsides in these regions. This specific species is known for its broom-like appearance and has a long history of human interaction, serving purposes that range from traditional medicine to being a natural tool.
Identification and Classification
The plant commonly called Coyote Weed is scientifically identified as Baccharis sarothroides, a member of the Asteraceae or Sunflower family. The species name sarothroides translates to “broom-like,” accurately describing its growth habit.
Baccharis sarothroides is an upright, woody shrub that typically reaches heights between three and nine feet. It is characterized by numerous slender, strongly angled, green stems, giving the plant a distinctive broom-like or twiggy appearance. The actual leaves are small, linear, and sparse, often shedding early in the season, which contributes to the plant’s nearly leafless look.
The species is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Female plants are easily recognizable in the fall and winter when they produce abundant quantities of small seeds attached to silky, white hairs known as a pappus, which are dispersed by the wind. The shrub is native to the Sonoran Desert, thriving in low-elevation riparian areas, gravelly soils, and washes across parts of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and adjacent Mexican states.
Traditional and Historical Uses
Historically, various indigenous groups across the Southwest utilized the plant for both medicinal purposes and practical applications. The Seri people of Sonora, Mexico, frequently prepared a decoction or tea from the twigs. This preparation was traditionally consumed to help treat symptoms associated with the common cold and sinus headaches.
The tea was also applied externally as a topical rub for soothing general soreness and aching muscles. Beyond its medicinal history, the plant’s naturally stiff and broom-like branches provided a practical tool for daily life. The common Spanish name, escoba amarga, or “bitter broom,” references the historical use of its branches to make simple brooms for sweeping dirt floors. These historical applications are viewed from an ethnobotanical perspective, documenting past practices rather than promoting modern medical treatment.
Safety Profile and Toxicity
The foliage of Coyote Weed contains chemical compounds, particularly sesquiterpene lactones and resinous oils. Ingestion of the foliage is not recommended and can be potentially irritating to the throat and mouth.
While Baccharis sarothroides is not among the most commonly cited toxic plants, other species within the Baccharis genus are known to contain potent toxins highly toxic to livestock. Female plants in the genus are often reported as being more toxic than male plants.
In the context of livestock, poisoning in cattle and sheep is rare because the plant is not palatable. However, under severe drought conditions when other forage is scarce, animals may consume it, leading to severe symptoms. For household pets, it is prudent to prevent ingestion, and contact with the resinous parts can sometimes cause minor skin irritation.