Composite Shrubs

21 Chapter The sunflower family (Compositae or Asteraceae) is the largest family of flowering plants. Its many species occur around the world as annual and perennial herbs and as shrubs and trees (Chrysothamnus), and matchbrush (Gutierrezia)—make plants of this family among the most common and important plants of the Intermountain area (McArthur and others 1979a; table 1). Shrubs of these genera provide critically needed ground cover on arid Western ranges, are important sources of browse for domestic livestock and big game, and serve as cover and forage for many wildlife species. A number of sagebrush and rabbitbrush species are important as cover for small birds, game birds, and mammals , and as browse plants for big game animals, especially on winter and early spring ranges. Some species also provide forage for livestock (sheep and cattle). Horsebrush and matchbrush also contribute more forage than is generally believed; however, both plants may, under certain conditions, be harmful to domestic