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greasewood
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greasewood

plant
Also known as: Sarcobatus vermiculatus, black greasewood
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Also called:
black greasewood
See all related content

greasewood, (species Sarcobatus vermiculatus), North American weedy shrub of the Sarcobataceae family. Greasewood is a characteristic plant of strongly alkaline and saline soils in the desert plains of western North America. It is a much-branched, somewhat spiny shrub, up to 3 metres (10 feet) high. The small, fleshy, toothless leaves lack stalks.

The name greasewood has also been applied to shrubs from different families, such as Adenostoma fasciculatum (Rosaceae) and Salvia apiana (Lamiaceae).

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.
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saltbush
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Saltbush (Atriplex)
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Saltbush (Atriplex)
Saltbush (Atriplex)

saltbush

plant, genus Atriplex
Also known as: Atriplex
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saltbush, (genus Atriplex), genus of about 300 species of herbs and shrubs in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), often found on saline soils. Saltbush plants grow throughout temperate and subtropical areas of the world. Young leaves of several species, including the garden orach (A. hortensis), are eaten fresh or cooked like spinach. Several species are common salt-tolerant shrubs of western North America, especially four-wing saltbush, or chamiso (A. canescens), and spiny saltbush (A. confertifolia).

Saltbushes are annuals or perennials. The leaves can be lobed, entire, or toothed and are arranged alternately or oppositely along the stems. The leaves of some species are white and look scurfy or mealy. The small flowers can be bisexual or unisexual and are usually borne in spikelike clusters.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
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