How to Grow Black Greasewood
Black Greasewood
Sarcobatus vermiculatus
shrubBlack greasewood is a hardy, salt-tolerant shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. It thrives in harsh, saline soils where few other plants survive, making it valuable for rangeland restoration and wildlife habitat. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers and winged fruits, and is known for its ability to accumulate salt in its tissues.
When should you plant Black Greasewood in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Black Greasewood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Black Greasewood
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Black Greasewood
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Greasewood dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, extremely cold and drought hardy
Sign up free to see if Black Greasewood grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Black Greasewood timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
8-12 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with narrow linear cotyledons; growth is slow and minimal first year
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide full sun; protect from competition; may not be visible above-ground for extended period
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung plants develop deep root systems and minimal above-ground growth; sparse stems with small linear leaves emerge
Minimal supplemental water needed after first season; avoid disturbing root zone; full sun exposure critical; drought conditions actually improve long-term survival
Vegetative Growth
OngoingMature shrub produces numerous jointed, spiny stems with reduced, scale-like leaves; compact, rounded form develops
Established plants need no fertilizer or supplemental water; salt accumulation in leaves is normal; pruning rarely needed
Flowering & Fruiting
3-4 monthsInconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear in late spring/early summer; small, winged fruits develop by mid-summer
No special care needed; flowers are wind-pollinated; fruits mature over summer months
Dormancy
4-6 monthsPlant enters winter dormancy; foliage remains on plant but growth ceases; extreme cold tolerance allows survival in harsh conditions
No water or care needed; plant is fully self-sufficient; extremely hardy to cold and wind
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Rarely problematic; minimal pesticide intervention typically needed in natural settings; use neem oil or spinosad if necessary in nursery production
-
Monitor for infestations; prune affected branches; apply horticultural oil in late winter/early spring if widespread
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid supplemental irrigation in established plants; disease is generally not a concern in natural, arid conditions
Uses
Rangeland & Habitat Restoration
WildlifeBlack greasewood is widely planted in western rangelands to stabilize saline and alkali soils, prevent erosion, and provide wildlife habitat. It is a key species for restoring degraded rangelands, particularly in the Great Basin and intermountain regions. [source]
Wildlife Forage & Shelter
WildlifeThe plant provides emergency forage for livestock during drought and winter, though it is not highly palatable. It also offers cover and nesting habitat for sage grouse, rabbits, and other rangeland wildlife species. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdBlack greasewood's deep root system and salt tolerance make it excellent for stabilizing banks, preventing erosion in saline soils, and reclaiming disturbed lands. It thrives where conventional vegetation cannot establish. [source]
Traditional Plant Uses
MedicinalHistorically, native peoples used black greasewood for various medicinal purposes, though modern scientific evidence for its efficacy is limited. Some traditional preparations claimed to treat digestive issues and skin conditions. [source]
Charcoal & Fuel
CraftThe dense wood of mature black greasewood plants was historically used to produce charcoal and served as a fuel source in arid regions where other wood was scarce. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Black greasewood is not typically harvested for culinary or medicinal use. Seeds can be collected in late summer/fall for propagation purposes. Allow fruits to fully mature and dry on the plant before collection. Store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black greasewood can accumulate salt concentrations in its leaves 20-30 times higher than in the surrounding soil, making it hyperaccumulative and useful for phytoremediation of saline contaminated sites.
- 🌱 The plant's common name 'greasewood' comes from its resinous, waxy stems and leaves that were historically used as fuel for lamps and fires.
- 🌱 Despite its harsh appearance, black greasewood plays a critical ecological role in the sagebrush steppe ecosystem, providing habitat for the threatened greater sage grouse and serving as an indicator species for saline soil conditions.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Black Greasewood planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Black Greasewood seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Black Greasewood timeline →