Greasewood

Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) is one of the defining shrubs of the Great Basin's alkaline valleys, thriving where many other plants simply cannot survive. Its silvery-green branches and tidy, rounded form bring subtle texture and year-round structure to harsh, open landscapes. Because it naturally grows in salty, alkaline soils, it's an outstanding solution for difficult sites where irrigation is limited and other shrubs struggle.

Once established, greasewood is remarkably resilient and requires very little maintenance. It provides habitat and cover for wildlife while standing up to extreme heat, cold winters, wind, and prolonged drought. Although its flowers are small and not particularly showy, they provide a seasonal resource for native insects, making greasewood a practical choice for restoration projects, xeriscapes, and naturalistic landscapes throughout Utah's desert and valley regions.