64 TREES \NM SHR1 BS 



THE GOOSEFOOT FAMILY (Chenopodiaceae) is 



represented in our range only by several very well known 

 shrubs, a few of which are of considerable importance as 

 forage plants on the ranges. 



The Greasewood (Sarcobatus icrmiadatns) is a much 

 branched succulent-leaved shrub of rather yellowish-gi 



r, commonly only 3 or 4 feet high, but sometimes as much 



I or { ) feet, that grows almost exclusively in tolerably wet 



alkaline soils. The name Greasewood is often mistakenly ap- 



I to a very different evergreen shrub, the 

 (Covillea glutinosa) that grows on the mesas of tl hern 



part of the State, never occurring in alkaline soil and prefer- 

 ring a dry gravelly one. The proper Greasewood is not ever- 

 green, has small, almost cylindrical leaves, and very inconspicu- 

 ous flowers. The leaves are succulent ' and watery when 

 crushed, never resinous, and perfectly smooth. The plant is 

 used extensively as a forage plant, especially by sheep; though 

 there is said to be some danger of bloat if the animals are 

 allowed to eat it when it is growing vigorously. The fruit is 

 dry. winged, and ore- seeded. The flowers are unisexual. It 



'ten called CI I ICO bush in the northwestern part of the 

 State. 



Burro Weed (Allenrolfea occidentalis) is a very peculiar, 

 almost leafless alkali-ln\ing shrub with cylindrical jointed 

 green succulent branches. It reaches a height of 5 or 6 feet, 

 and is easily recognized by its smooth and bluish-green 

 branches among the ther gray and brown plants with which it 

 ommonly associated. Its presence is certain indication of 

 a large amount of alkali in the soil. It is sparingly eaten by 

 burros : hence the common name. 



Winter Fat (Eurotia lanata) is a well known small' 

 shrub, generally less than 3 feet high, that grows in the foot- 

 hill-; of the mountains and to some extent on the high plains 

 almost throughout the State. It will not live in the driest sit- 

 uations, but will endure moderate desiccation. It may be 



