Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Sarcobatus vermiculatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.7 m (8ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. Used as greens. The young twigs are cut into short pieces and boiled until tender. The seeds are occasionally consumed. They are used as a food at times when other foods are in short supply. — Young shoots - cooked.; The young twigs are cut into short pieces and boiled until tender.; The seeds are occasionally consumed.; They are used as a food at times when other foods are in short supply.

Habitat & North American Range

Alkaline or saline soils in semiarid or arid plains, alkali flats, slopes, desert-shrub communities, sagebrush, saltflats, roadsides, fencerows, dry washes at elevations of 600 - 2400 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)