Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook.) Torr.

Common Name and Growth Form

Sarcobatus vermiculatus, also known as greasewood, is a deciduous spiny shrub that reaches 0.5 to 3 metres in height.

Leaf Characteristics

It has green succulent leaves measuring 10–40 mm long and 1–2 mm broad; its green leaf color stands out from the grey-green foliage of most other shrubs growing in its native range.

Flower Traits and Flowering Period

This species produces unisexual flowers, with both male and female flowers borne on the same individual plant, and flowers appear between June and August.

Reproduction Methods

It reproduces both from seeds and from sprouts.

Formal Description Origin

This species was first formally described based on specimens collected in 1806 during the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s westward exploration of North America.

Distribution Range

Its natural distribution spans western North America: it ranges from southeastern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta in Canada, south through drier regions of the United States east as far as North Dakota and west Texas, west as far as central Washington and eastern California, and continues south to Coahuila in northern Mexico.

Genus Salt Tolerance Trait

Both known species in the genus Sarcobatus are halophytes.

Typical Habitat

Sarcobatus vermiculatus is typically found in sunny, flat landscapes around playa margins, as well as in dry stream beds and arroyos.

Saline Soil Adaptation and Habitat Partitioning

It tolerates salty soil by storing absorbed salt in its roots and leaves, but in the southwestern portion of its range, it is replaced by iodine bush in extremely saline environments like the hummocks found within playas themselves.

Alkaline Soil Indicator

Greasewood grows frequently on alkaline flats, and it is a reliable indicator of alkaline soil.

Stand Formation and Substrate Preference

It can form extensive, nearly pure stands in pluvial desert locations, and is most common on fine-grained soils in areas with a relatively high water table.

Grazing Toxicity

Adapted grazing animals can feed on this plant without issue, but grazing by sheep and cattle can cause oxalate poisoning that leads to kidney failure; the toxic oxalate involved is either sodium oxalate or potassium oxalate, and sheep are the most vulnerable to poisoning.

Wood Characteristics

The wood of this species is yellow, very hard and tough.

Historical Arrow Shaft Use

Due to its hardness, it was historically used to make arrow shafts.

Firewood Use

Native Americans and early European settlers also used it as firewood.

Traditional Navajo Use

Navajo people traditionally use it to make stirring sticks called Ádístsíín.