It has a characteristic small hair about one mm long on the end of each leaf. During drought the stems develop a reddish tinge. The toxic substance in halogeton is sodium oxalate, which is contained in leaves and other above-ground parts. Halogeton is dangerous at all times. It becomes more toxic as the growing season advances, reaching a peak of toxicity at maturity.
Losses occur from dried plant consumed during the fall, winter, and early spring.
Where and When It Grows Halogeton often grows along railroad beds, roads, and sheep trails, and in places where the soil has been disturbed. Dense stands can be found on burned-over areas, overgrazed ranges, dry lakebeds, and abandoned dry farms. However, halogeton lacks the capacity to compete with vigorous perennial plants and the more aggressive annuals. Halogeton is a prolific seed producer. New plants established from February to mid-August produce a seed crop before the growing season ends in November.