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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Sarcobatus vermiculatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.7 m (8ft 10in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

S. maximilianii.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots
Edible Uses:

Young shoots - cooked[105, 161]. Used as greens[257]. The young twigs are cut into short pieces and boiled until tender[183]. The seeds are occasionally consumed[61, 105, 161, 183]. They are used as a food at times when other foods are in short supply[257]. The seeds are about 2mm in diameter[270].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Odontalgic Stings

The crushed leaves have been used to treat insect bites[257]. An infusion of the burnt plant has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and bleeding from the rectum[257]. The wood or the roots can be heated until they are burnt or blackened and then used on aching and decayed teeth[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fuel Wood

The wood is used for fuel, for want of better materials in the areas where it grows wild[235]. The wood is strong[257]. It has been used in general construction[257].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant[200], succeeding in a sunny position in most well-drained soils[11, 200]. Tolerates alkaline and saline soils[11]. Plants can be dioecious or monoecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood are worth trying in July/August.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Sarcobatus vermiculatus - (Hook.)Torr.