Description:
An invasive annual, growing from seed. Leaves; short, crowded, finger like, succulent with small barb at the ends. Grey green. The leaves concentrate salts; as they fall the soil becomes more alkaline, which sorts in favor of the halogeton plant.
Multiple red stems spread out from the center then grow upwards becoming bushy, up to18 inches or more. Breaking off in the fall to effectively distribute the seed as a “tumble weed”.
Flowers are papery, petal like, green-yellow, inconspicuous, forming in leaf axils. Two kinds of seeds form, one shaped like a dark flat snail shell germinates the next year, and a brownseed that is viable for 10 years. Which guarantees that some plants will grow in the future. (extension.usu.edu).
Symptoms:
Halogeton contains toxic amounts of sodium, potassium and calcium oxalates and is dangerous at all times; especially to sheep as they are often poisoned, though cattle and horses are not imune. The toxicity increases as the season progresses and many animals are poisoned while consuming dried plants after season. Poisoning becomes apparent 2-6 hours after ingestion and death 9-11 hours after eating a fatal amount. Signs of poisoning include: depression, weakness, reluctance to move, drooling, coma, and death. (extension.usu.edu).
Halogeton can not compete with healthy stands of beneficial annuals or perennials but will soon invade overgrazed pastures, ranges, or areas around water holes.