This shrub is native to the deserts of the southwest. It has hairless, bipinnately compound leaves, yellow flowers, and strong spines in the leaf axils. It is recently famous for its use as barbecue charcoal. The two varieties are distinguished as follows: Var. glandulosa - Leaflets 6 - 15 pairs, 25 - 62 mm long, 8 - 15 times as long as broad. Var. torreyana - Leaflets 8 - 20 pairs, 10 - 30 mm long, 5 - 8 times as long as broad.