Broom seepweed

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Broom seepweed

Broom seepweed

Broom seepweed

Broom seepweed

Broom seepweed

Broom seepweed

Broom seepweed inflorescence

Morphology

Stem

Decumbent to ascending or erect, usually branched from base, glabrous, glaucous.

Leaves

Cauline, alternate, simple; petiole absent; blade subterete or terete, linear, .4 to 1.6 inch long, .02 to .06 inch wide, base slightly narrowed, margins entire, tip acute to apiculate, without spine-like bristle, surfaces glabrous, glaucous.

Inflorescence

Axillary glomerules arranged in compound spike; bracts leaf-like, .08 to .5 inch, acute to apiculate, without spine-like bristle at tip.

Flower

Bisexual, sometimes also unisexual flowers; tepals 5, 1 or 3 usually larger than others, connate 1/2 their lengths, fleshy, keeled or narrowly winged and horned distally; petals 0; stamens 5; styles usually 2; stigmas usually 2.

Fruit

Utricles; seeds of 2 types; black, lenticular, .03 to .07 inch or brown, flat, .04 to .06 inch.

Ecology

Habitat

Saline or alkaline marshes and wetlands, shores of reservoirs.

Distribution

West 2/3 of Kansas

Practical Information

Uses

The Paiute used the seeds for food.

Synonyms

Alternative scientific names that have been used for this plant.