GREASEWOOD

also called Black Greasewood (species Sarcobatus vermiculatus), North American weedy shrub of the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae). 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 m (10 feet) high. The small, fleshy, toothless leaves arise directly from the branch. The name greasewood has also been applied to Adenostoma fasciculatum, Salvia apiana, and other shrubs.