Nevada Greasewood
Glossopetalon spinescens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Nevada Greasewood (Glossopetalon spinescens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–48" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Glossopetalon spinescens is a compact native shrub that forms a rounded, dense growth habit in arid landscapes. It produces small white flowers from May through July and requires minimal water once established. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and rocky or well-drained soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
Nevada Greasewood takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spiny branches create safety concerns
- Wild, unmanicured appearance
- May look sparse or irregular in formal settings
Wildlife value
The extended bloom period from late spring through summer provides nectar for native bees and beetles. Its dense branching structure can also offer nesting sites for small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Nevada Greasewood need?
- Nevada Greasewood grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Nevada Greasewood bloom?
- Nevada Greasewood blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Nevada Greasewood native?
- Nevada Greasewood (Glossopetalon spinescens) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Nevada Greasewood attract?
- Nevada Greasewood draws bees and beetles.
- Is Nevada Greasewood HOA-friendly?
- Nevada Greasewood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Nevada Greasewood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz