Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Hook.) Torr.

 

Greasewood is an erect, spiny, woody perennial shrub that grows 1 to 1.5 meters tall. Flowers are small and light green to whitish. It has many thorns with thick, narrow, green leaves on rigid branches. Its bark is smooth and white.

Greasewood is a range shrub that livestock can generally eat safely in moderate amounts with other forage. It is moderately palatable. Death occurs when livestock eat large amounts in a short period 

of time.   Losses generally occur in the fall and winter when sheep or cattle eat large quantities of leaves that have fallen to the ground or from the early growth in spring. The plant toxins, sodium and potassium oxalates, are found in the leaves with lower concentrations in other plant parts. The amount of toxin varies considerably in the different areas where it grows (from 10-22% of plant dry weight). Greasewood increases in toxicity as the growing season advances.

Where and When It Grows

Greasewood is adapted to the heavy saline soils of semiarid regions. It is confined to alkaline soils and may form the dominant vegetation on alkaline flats. It starts growing in early spring. The leaves remain succulent until fall, when they freeze, dry, and drop off. Buds remain on plants most of the year.

Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) : USDA ARS

https://youtu.be/RYuANkJADKM

 

Greasewood: Sarcobatus vermiculatus (explorenm.com)

Greasewood, Sarcobatus vermiculatus (calscape.org)