Greasewood
Sarcobatus vermiculatus

Family: Chenopodiaceae

What it is like

Sarcobatus vermiculatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.7 m (8ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 2.7

Where it is found

Alkaline or saline soils in semiarid or arid plains, alkali flats, slopes, desert-shrub communities, sagebrush, saltflats, roadsides, fencerows, dry washes at elevations of 600 - 2400 metres.

South-western N. America - Nebraska and Wyoming to Nevada and New Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young shoots - cooked. Used as greens. The young twigs are cut into short pieces and boiled until tender. The seeds are occasionally consumed. They are used as a food at times when other foods are in short supply. The seeds are about 2mm in diameter.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The crushed leaves have been used to treat insect bites. An infusion of the burnt plant has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and bleeding from the rectum. The wood or the roots can be heated until they are burnt or blackened and then used on aching and decayed teeth.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Stings: Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.

Other

Rating: 0

The wood is used for fuel, for want of better materials in the areas where it grows wild. The wood is strong. It has been used in general construction.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a sunny position in most well-drained soils. Tolerates alkaline and saline soils. Plants can be dioecious or monoecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood are worth trying in July/August.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. maximilianii.