[Illustration: Clematis ligusticifolia Clematis drummondi]
Common Names: CLEMATIS, LEATHERFLOWER Arizona and Texas deserts: (_Clematis drummondi_). Cream. March-September. California desert: (_Clematis ligusticifolia_). Cream. May-September. Crowfoot family. Size: Climbing, vine-like perennial with stems 6 to 8 feet long.
By no means limited to the desert, Clematis is found throughout the Southwest. Several species are grown as ornamentals, foliage, flower clusters and the cotton-like masses of hairy fruits all being effective. Petals are absent or rudimentary, the sepals which furnish color to the blossoms being either creamy or purplish-brown. The name “Leatherflower” has been applied to the latter group.
Common Names: COMMON REED, (_CARRIZO_), RIVERCANE, GIANTREED Arizona, California, and Texas deserts: (_Phragmites communis_). Creamy. July-October. Grass family. Size: 8 to 12 feet tall.
Among the largest of the grasses, the Common Reed and its close relative Giantreed (_Arundo donax_) with their jointed stems resembling Bamboo, are coarse perennials with broad, flat, grass-like leaves found in marshes and stock tanks, along irrigation canals, and on river banks throughout the desert country of the Southwest. Common Reed is found throughout the world where conditions are suitable. The flower stalks are long, tassel-like, and at the ends of the stems.
In Arizona and New Mexico, Common Reed is called _Carrizo_. The hollow stems were used by the Indians for making arrow shafts, prayer sticks, pipe stems, and loom rods. Mats, screens, nets, and cordage, as well as thatching, are made from the leaves. The plants are useful as windbreaks and in controlling soil erosion along streams.
Common Names: SEEPWILLOW, WATERMOTIE, WATERWALLY, WATERWILLOW, BROOM BACCHARIS, ROSINBUSH, (_HIERBA-DEL-PASMO_) Arizona and Texas deserts: (_Baccharis glutinosa_). Creamy. March-December. California desert: (_Baccharis sarathroides_). Yellow-white. September-February. Sunflower family. Size: Up to 7 feet tall.
Genus _Baccharis_ is composed, in the desert, of coarse shrubs with a number of common species. The flowers themselves are not beautiful, but the female plants with their flower heads that develop glaring-white pappus hairs, are spectacular and quite attractive.