Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands
Antelope bitterbrush
Tsék’ina’ałch’ízhii
(a.k.a. buckbrush, bitterbrush)
Antelope bitterbrush is an important native browse shrub for big game and livestock. It also provides shelter for small animals and birds. It is adapted to a wide range of soils with 8 to 34 inches of annual precipitation and occurs at elevations of 4000 to 8500 feet. It is normally 2 to 6 feet in height and up to 8 feet in width with wedge shaped, three lobed leaves (some are persistent in winter). Branches near the soil may layer (branches that touch the soil develop roots) providing additional rooting for the plant. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer with yellow to white blossoms.
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