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greasewood
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Also called:
black greasewood
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greasewood

plant
Also known as: Sarcobatus vermiculatus, black greasewood
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History

greasewood, (species Sarcobatus vermiculatus), North American weedy shrub of the Sarcobataceae family. 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 metres (10 feet) high. The small, fleshy, toothless leaves lack stalks.

The name greasewood has also been applied to shrubs from different families, such as Adenostoma fasciculatum (Rosaceae) and Salvia apiana (Lamiaceae).

This article was most recently revised and updated by William L. Hosch.