Greasewood
Sarcobatus vermiculatus

Family: Sarcobataceae

What it is like

A dense spiny shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.8 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The branches arch over. The wood is hard and yellow. The leaves are narrow and fleshy. They are grey-green and 35 mm long. Male and female flowers are separate on the same plant. The male flowers form catkin like spikes. These are 30 mm long. The calyx of the female flower develops into a leathery fruit. It has a wing towards the middle.

There is only one genus in the Sarcobataceae family and 2 Sarcobatus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to North America. It grows in arid or salty locations. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

CAUTION: It can absorb high levels of sodium and potassium making it poisonous. The young tender twigs are cut into short pieces, boiled until tender then served with butter or cream sauce. The seeds are occasionally eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sarcobatus maximilianii Nees; Sarcobatus vermiculatus var. vermiculatus;