How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
 
Common Name: Black Greasewood
Scientific Name: Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Wildlife habitat restoration
~Rangeland
~Native landscaping
Height: 3 - 8 feet
Colors: Green foliage with tan/brown flowers
Flowering Season: Spring
Elevation: 4,000 - 7,000
Soil Types: Dry clay, saline or alkaline
Tolerances: Cold
Sun or Shade: Full sun
Minimum Precipitation: 6 - 9 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 285,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
Stratification Requirements: Cold stratification required for germination
Category: Shrubs
 
Description:
Black Greasewood is a deciduous shrub with spines, and it is widely distributed throughout the western United States, particularly within elevations ranging from 2,500 to 7,500 feet. This hardy shrub is commonly found in various habitats, including clay, saline, or alkaline lowland areas, as well as in drier settings such as valley bottoms, slopes, and ridges. Black Greasewood is notable for its cold tolerance, allowing it to thrive in a range of environmental conditions.
 
In terms of its value for forage, Black Greasewood offers fair to good palatability to both livestock and wildlife. However, it's worth its oxalate content, which can impact its nutritional suitability. Beyond its role as forage, Black Greasewood serves as a highly useful plant for the reclamation of harsh saline and alkali sites, contributing to land restoration efforts. It is a valuable choice for native landscaping, making it an attractive and functional addition to cultivated landscapes.
 
Resources:
NRCS Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=SAVE4
NRCS Planting Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_save4.pdf
 
Photo Credits: Matt Lavin and Andrey Zharkikh