Saltlover

Common Name: Saltlover Scientific Name: Halogeton glomeratus Habitat: saline open areas, roadsides Provincial Designation: Prohibited Noxious Prohibited Noxious weeds are plant species that are designated as "prohibited noxious" in the Alberta weed regulation. Prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed, meaning all growing parts need to be killed or the plant's reproductive mechanisms need to be rendered non-viable.

Origin

Saltlover is native to Eurasia and was introduced into North America in the early 1900s.

Legislated Because

It invades waste areas, roadsides, and dry rangeland where it displaces desirable vegetation. It is also poisonous to cattle and sheep; several deaths have been reported.

Description

The flowers of saltlover are pink and/or white, 2-4 mm wide, and are clustered on a spike.

A key characteristic of this plant is that it has oblong or linear leaves that are fleshy. The leaves are blue green in colour and have single spine at the tip.

The highly branching stems either creep along the ground or grow upright, up to 60 cm.

Learn more about this species:

See Fact Sheets - Alberta Invasive Species Council