Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Black greasewood
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Sarcobataceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Black greasewood) is a native California shrub in the Sarcobataceae family, recognized by size, habit, and broader distribution.
Black greasewood is a native shrub found in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert in alkaline soils, dry lakes, washes, and scrublands at elevations of 100 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from April to August, this plant produces flowers in subtle cream to white clusters. Growing 50 to 210 centimeters tall with an approximately spherical form, it develops erect stems ranging from yellow-cream to white or light gray. Its dense, intricate branching structure creates a distinctive rounded silhouette that helps the plant survive in harsh desert environments. This adaptable shrub thrives in challenging alkaline landscapes, demonstrating remarkable resilience in extreme desert conditions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by size, habit, and broader distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkaline soils, dry lakes, washes, scrub, roadsides
Elevation: 100-2300 m
California counties: Inyo, Siskiyou, Lassen, Los Angeles, Modoc, Kern, Mono, San Bernardino, Plumas, Imperial
Outside California: to western Canada, Great Plains, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Sarcobatus vermiculatus blooms Apr-Aug.
How to tell it apart
vs Grayia: Sarcobatus leaves are fleshy and cylindrical; Grayia leaves are flat and somewhat diamond-shaped.; vs Atriplex: Sarcobatus leaves feel thick and succulent; Atriplex leaves are thin and often mealy or scaly.; vs Adenostoma: Sarcobatus has fleshy cylindrical leaves; Adenostoma has clusters of needle-like rigid leaves.; vs Populus: Sarcobatus has succulent cylindrical leaves; Populus has broad, flat leaves on flattened stalks.; vs Acalypha: Sarcobatus has thick fleshy leaves; Acalypha has thin, nettle-like toothed leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sarcobatus vermiculatus native to California?
Yes. Sarcobatus vermiculatus is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Sarcobatus vermiculatus bloom?
Sarcobatus vermiculatus blooms Apr-Aug.
Where in California does Sarcobatus vermiculatus grow?
Sarcobatus vermiculatus occurs in Inyo, Siskiyou, Lassen, Los Angeles, Modoc, Kern, Mono, San Bernardino and other counties, at elevations of 100-2300 m.
What plant family does Sarcobatus vermiculatus belong to?
Sarcobatus vermiculatus is in the Sarcobataceae family, genus Sarcobatus.
What habitat does Sarcobatus vermiculatus grow in?
Sarcobatus vermiculatus grows in Alkaline soils, dry lakes, washes, scrub, roadsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.