What Is It?

Near mile marker 13 (Utah), along US HWY 163.

There's a reason why I took a photo of this little shrub - but I can't remember why. I wish I knew what it was. I tried to find it in guidebooks and online search, but can't seem to pinpoint what kind of shrub this is. Could it be rabbitbrush?

I seem to remember our guide mentioning something about how this plant contains a lot of moisture in the foliage, which - considering how dry the desert is - would be an important food source for the small animals and feral horses that roam the valley.

Leaving Monument Valley, AZ; we often stop and get out to stretch our legs, admire the view, perhaps browse at some roadside kiosks selling Navajo jewellery and other knickknacks. Occasionally we take some photos of the surrounding flora and fauna like this low-lying shrub here.

DAY 6
TUES 2 OCT 2012
Drive: from Monument Valley, AZ to Cortez, Colorado.