Description
A long-lived half-shrub growing to 4 feet. Low-growing, cool season shrub with numerous annual stems. Leaves have rolled edges and are densely hairy. Flowers are apetalous, and white wooly outside. The fruit is a utricle enclosed by two bracts which are green, pubescent, 2 horned and covered by dense tufts of white hair. It has an extensive fibrous root system and a deep penetrating taproot, helping stabilize soils. Growing well on a wide range of soil textures, although it prefers more basic or limy soils, tolerating moderate to highly saline soil. Easily established thus used for erosion control and disturbed sites. Both nutritious and palatable for livestock and wildlife. Native to the western United States.