Grayia spinosa,
Spiny Hopsage (Native)

Small to medium, 1½ – 4 ft. tall, spinescent, deciduous shrub scattered throughout the drier areas of the western US from 1,000 – 7,500 ft. elev. Found on all soil textures, including shallow rocky soils. Grows on plains, flats, slopes and ridges. Good tolerance to alkali and salt. Cold-tolerant. Good palatability to sheep, deer, and goats especially in late fall, winter and spring. Good grazing tolerance. Valuable for habitat for many species of wildlife. Will establish and persist on harsh sites. Used for wildlife habitat improvement and for revegetation of disturbed soil on adapted sites. Minimum precip. is 6 – 8 inches. Plant in fall ¼ inch deep. 161,000 seeds/lb.

USDA: Plant Profile