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How to Grow Greasewood

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Greasewood

Sarcobatus vermiculatus

shrub

Greasewood is a hardy, salt-tolerant deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub native to arid regions of western North America. It typically grows 3-6 feet tall and is characterized by small, linear leaves and tiny greenish flowers followed by small winged fruits. The plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in highly saline soils where few other plants can survive.

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Example Greasewood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Greasewood

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Greasewood

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Greasewood dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily; requires bright light for optimal growth
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Water: Very low water needs once established; drought-tolerant; prefers dry conditions. Water sparingly during establishment (first season). Tolerates seasonal flooding in saline wetlands.
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Spacing: 36-60 inches
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Days to maturity: 2-3 years to reach mature form
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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; plant transplants at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil; tolerates highly saline and alkaline soils
pH: 7.5-9.0
Amendments:
Coarse sand Gravel Minimal organic matter recommended

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; exceptionally hardy and well-suited to desert and semi-arid climates

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

4-8 weeks

Small linear leaves emerging; slow initial growth; plant remains low and compact

Keep soil slightly moist but not wet; protect from competition; provide full sun

2

Establishment

6-12 months

Root system developing; gradual height increase; foliage becoming more dense

Water occasionally during dry periods in first year; mulch lightly if needed; avoid fertilizer

3

Vegetative Growth

1-2 years

Steady shoot and branch development; plant gaining structure; small linear leaves covering branches

Minimal watering once established; no fertilizer needed; prune lightly to shape if desired

4

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Tiny greenish flowers appearing on branch tips; flowers are inconspicuous but abundant

No special care needed; flowering occurs naturally in spring; maintain dry conditions

5

Fruiting & Maturity

Ongoing after year 2

Small winged fruits developing; plant reaches full mature size (3-6 feet); fully drought-adapted

No supplemental water needed; minimal maintenance; seeds spread naturally

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Four o'clock Desert marigold Rabbitbrush Shadscale Winterfat Saltgrass

Avoid planting near:

Water-loving plants Plants requiring rich soil Moisture-dependent shrubs

Common Pests

  • Rarely problematic; remove affected branches if severe; horticultural oil spray if needed

  • Uncommon due to arid habitat; increase humidity slightly or use insecticidal soap

Uses

🦋

Wildlife habitat and food

Wildlife

Greasewood provides food and shelter for desert birds and mammals. It stabilizes saline wetland soils and prevents erosion in arid environments. [source]

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Fuel and fire starting

Household

The wood is extremely resinous and burns hot, making it valuable as firewood in desert regions. Historically used by Native Americans and settlers for heating and cooking. [source]

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Soil remediation and salt tolerance

Ecological

Greasewood thrives in hyperaline soils and alkali flats where few plants survive, making it valuable for landscape stabilization and ecological restoration of degraded saline wetlands. [source]

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Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

Native American tribes used greasewood infusions and preparations for digestive and respiratory purposes, though scientific validation is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Greasewood is not typically harvested for commercial use. Seeds can be collected in late summer/early fall when fruits are mature and dry. Historically, indigenous peoples used branches for fuel (hence the name 'greasewood' for its oily wood); branches are extremely flammable.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Greasewood gets its common name from the resinous, oily nature of its wood, which makes it burn extremely hot and is excellent for fire-starting in desert environments.
  • 🌱 The plant is one of the most salt-tolerant shrubs in North America and can survive in soils with salinity levels 10+ times higher than ocean water.
  • 🌱 Greasewood is a pioneer species in saline alkali flats and plays a crucial ecological role in stabilizing these harsh environments and creating conditions for other plants to eventually establish.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch
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