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Description
Ambrosia Dumosa, commonly known as burrobrush or white bursage, is a desert shrub native to the southwestern United States. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant has a deep taproot and a dense crown of branches. Its leaves are small and grayish-green in color, with a woolly texture that helps the plant conserve moisture. The stems of Ambrosia Dumosa are covered in small white hairs that give the plant a fuzzy appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Ambrosia |
Appearance
Ambrosia Dumosa is a woody shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The plant has a rounded shape with dense branches that form a crown. Its leaves are small, grayish-green, and covered in fine white hairs. The leaves are also aromatic and have a resinous scent when crushed. The stems of Ambrosia Dumosa are covered in small white hairs, giving the plant a fuzzy appearance. In the fall, the plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that develop into bur-like fruits.
Care Guide
Ambrosia Dumosa is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of conditions. However, it prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Here are some care tips for growing Ambrosia Dumosa:- Water: Ambrosia Dumosa is drought-tolerant and can survive on minimal water. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.- Fertilization: Ambrosia Dumosa does not require fertilizer. However, you can apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.- Soil: Ambrosia Dumosa prefers well-draining soil. If you are planting in heavy soil, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Ambrosia Dumosa prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Ambrosia Dumosa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ambrosia Dumosa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-draining soil. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:- Root Rot: Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and blackened roots.- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off.- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause distortion and curling of the leaves.
Habitat
Ambrosia Dumosa is native to the southwestern United States, where it can be found in arid regions, including deserts, chaparral, and sagebrush communities. The plant is well-adapted to the hot, dry climate and can survive on minimal water. Ambrosia Dumosa can grow in a range of soil types but prefers well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ambrosia Dumosa poisonous?
A: No, Ambrosia Dumosa is not poisonous. However, it can cause skin irritation in some people.
Q: Can Ambrosia Dumosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Ambrosia Dumosa can be grown in containers. However, you will need to ensure that the container has adequate drainage and that the soil is well-draining.
Q: Can Ambrosia Dumosa be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Ambrosia Dumosa can be propagated from cuttings taken in the summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the cuttings have rooted.
Q: Does Ambrosia Dumosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Ambrosia Dumosa is an important food source for desert animals, including rabbits, quail, and deer.
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to Ambrosia Dumosa:- Ambrosia acanthicarpa (prickly burrobrush)- Ambrosia confertiflora (weakleaf burrobrush)- Ambrosia deltoidea (triangle-leaf bursage)- Ambrosia salsola (white bur-sage)
References
– “Ambrosia dumosa.” Arizona State University. https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Ambrosia%20dumosa.php- “Ambrosia dumosa.” Plant of the Week. US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/ambrosia_dumosa.shtml- “Ambrosia dumosa.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AMDU- “Ambrosia dumosa.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=360- “Ambrosia dumosa.” DesertUSA. https://www.desertusa.com/flora/bursage.html
