Sarcobatus vermiculatus

(Greasewood)

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Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Dinosaur National Monument, Moffet Co. 1417

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Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Dinosaur National Monument, Moffet Co. 1406

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Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Dinosaur National Monument, Moffet Co. 1424

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Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Dinosaur National Monument, Moffet Co. 1431

Scientific Name Sarcobatus vermiculatus USDA PLANTS Symbol SAVE4
Common Name Greasewood ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 20707
Family Sarcobataceae (Greasewood) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Plains and foothills (4500 to 8500 ft.); Dry, alkaline or saline soils on plains, flats, slopes, desert-shrub communities, roadsides, fence rows, dry washes and among sagebrush.
Plant: Loosely, irregularly branched shrub, 3 to 6 ft. tall; leafy branches with thorns at leaf axils.
Leaves: Fleshy, usually smooth, alternate, linear leaves 5/8 to 2 inches long.
Inflorescence: Monoecious with pistillate (female) flowers and staminate (male) spikes mostly on long lateral branches; staminate flowers lacking sepals with 2 to 4 stamens arising from a scale, in spikes usually 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long,
Bloom Period: May to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield and Flora of North America
BONAP Distribution Map

Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains