Gutierrezia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A genus of North American flowering plants in the sunflower family known for their aromatic leaves and small yellow flowers; often found in arid or semi-arid environments; sometimes used in traditional medicine
2. A group of shrubs native to western United States characterized by clustered yellow flower heads and resinous foliage; typical members thrive in dry soils and have ecological importance in their habitats
3. A taxonomic classification of desert-adapted plants producing yellow blossoms and fragrant leaves; members of this genus contribute to local ecosystems and have historical uses by indigenous peoples

Etymology: Spanish botanist Mariano de Lagasca described this plant genus in 1816 and named it after a fellow botanist surnamed Gutiérrez. The Latinized "-ia" ending marks it as a genus named for a person, a convention botanists used widely in that period. Its species belong to the sunflower family, Asteraceae, which explains the small, daisy-like yellow flower heads that cluster at the tips of the stems. Naming a genus after a person was common practice, so the word tells us less about the plants than about the scientist who wanted to honor a colleague.

Synonyms: snakeweed, rabbitbrush