Broom snakeweed, a perennial rangeland shrub, is highly variable morphologically and can grow under a broad range of environmental conditions. In this study, isozyme analysis using starch gel electrophoresis was used to quantify genetic variability within and among New Mexico populations of broom snakeweed. Eight separate populations of broom snakeweed and one population of threadleaf snakeweed as a comparison were investigated. of the 10 enzyme systems examined, 16 loci were identified in eight populations and two species. Eleven loci were monomorphic in eight populations and two species and five loci were polymorphic in at least one population or species. Genetic variability was large in broom and threadleaf snakeweed populations as determined by isozyme analysis. Genetic variability among broom snakeweed populations was greater than that within populations for the five polymorphic loci. Cluster analysis of genetic distance and identity for the eight populations and two species characterized two major groups. Within broom snakeweed, cluster analysis characterized five groups. The two species shared most common alleles. The genetic variation identified in this research may account for the morphological differences and broad geographical distribution of broom snakeweed.