Tetradymia canescens, commonly known as spineless horsebrush or gray horsebrush, is a perennial shrub native to the Great Basin and Mojave Desert regions, as well as sagebrush steppe and pinyon-juniper woodlands in western North America. It is found primarily east of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada, extending to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Typically occurring at elevations of 4921-8858 feet, it thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils under full sun conditions. The shrub reaches a height of 4-31 inches and features multibranched stems covered with woolly fibers, along with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that contribute to its grayish appearance.

Spineless horsebrush blooms from May through October, producing clusters of pale to bright yellow flowers that are modest in size but can add a splash of color to arid landscapes. Its fire-resistant nature allows it to resprout vigorously after burns, making it valuable for revegetation and erosion control in fire-prone areas. While toxic to sheep, it has been utilized by Native American groups for various medicinal purposes. In cultivation, it is used primarily for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. However, gardeners should be aware of its toxicity to livestock and handle it with care if allergic reactions are a concern.CC BY-SA 4.0