What is Cheesebush
Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
Cheesebush or White Burro Bush or Bush Hops – Hymenoclea salsola
ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL
Very thin, threadlike leaves coated with resinous substance to decrease water loss.
Leaves drop in hot months, and plant appears dead.
COMMUNITY
Adapts to a wide variety of environments: Creosote Bush Scrub, Shadescale Scrub, Pinyon-juniper Woodland, Arroyo Woodland, Desert Rural Ruderal, Alkaline Sink Scrub
BLOOMS
March-June
HABITAT
Common alkaline soils, sandy washes
ELEVATION
Low to high desert washes, disturbed areas
TYPE OF SOIL
Alkaline
SOURCE OF WATER
Surfaces, in drainages
HEIGHT
3 to 6 ft (1 to 2 m)
POLLINATION
Wind, insects
COMMENTS
Crushed leaves smell like cheese, giving plant its name.
Flowers small, but fruits are interesting and when numerous are quite showy.
White or pink-tinged scales surround the young fruit like a small rosebud.