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Figure 1. Matured Winter-fat
Figure 2. Flower
Figure 3. Form
Figure 4. Right: "wool-like" hairs. Left: goose's foot shaped leaves.
Location distribution through out the state
Name:
Common name is Winter-fat. Family is Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family); because the leaf shape may look like a goose's foot. Genus is Eurotia. Species is Lanata which means “wool-like” referring to the hairy branches, leaves and fruit.Identification:
The Flower has no petals, 4 lobed sepals, 4 stamens, 1 pistil, 1 to 3 stigmas, 2 inconspicuous styles, is a hermaphrodite. The leaves are 1 to 4.5 cm long, 1 to 6.5 mm wide, the narrow leaves remain on the plant during winter and are shed when new leaves grow in the spring or when it’s water-stressed. The Fruit is generally utricle. With dense long white hairs covering leaves and seeded fruits. The Roots system consists of a long taproot (to 7 m) and lateral roots branching from the taproot. Below-ground productivity is three times greater than above ground.Description:
Also known as white-sage, this shrub stands about 0.8 meters off the ground. Its distinguishing hairy foliage gives it a light greenish-silvery appearance. The seed heads become very puffy, resembling cotton, as they mature. Winter-fat has the assets of tremendous drought tolerance and high salt tolerance.Importance:
Is valued for its nutrient content and palatability to livestock.