Greasewood

Pollen Type: Weed

Cross-Reactivity: Lamb’s Quarters

HS Allergy Extract: Lamb’s Quarters

Family: Sarcobataceae

Genus/Species: Sarcobatus vermiculatus

Common Names: Greasewood, Black Greasewood

Distribution: Western States and Great Plains.

Locations: Hot, dry areas on dense soils including deserts, semi-deserts, dry lakes, washes, and shrublands.

Pollination Method: Wind or Cross-pollinated

Pollinating Period: Spring into Summer depending on latitude and elevation

Description: Greasewood is a native flowering perennial weed that grows upward and spreads low to the ground. It can grow up to 10’ tall and 3’-5’ across. It features multiple brittle spiny branches, with its smaller branches tapering to sharp thorns. Its leaves are fleshy and narrow. Greasewood is monoecious, meaning male and female flowers are separate but found on the same bush. The male flowers look like small pinecones, while the female flowers are cuplike, with numerous pink flowers growing closely together on a spike. Its seeds have long wings which allow them to be dispersed by the wind. Greasewood spreads by seed or laterally via its root system. Its root depth ranges from shallow to deep, depending on water table levels. Greasewood may grow alone or alongside other shrubs, depending on the salt content of the soil. Greasewood is cross-reactive with Kochia, Lamb’s Quarters, and Beet.

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