The salts leach from dead plant material, increasing topsoil salinity and favoring halogeton seed germination and establishment. Some salt in the foliage consists of soluble oxalates toxic to livestock, especially sheep. Symptoms of poisoning include staggering and muscular spasms. Toxicity of plant material depends on environmental conditions, plant maturity, and the condition of livestock. As little as 12 ounces of foliage can be fatal to poorly nourished animals.
Livestock supplemented with calcium fortified feeds are less susceptible to the toxic effects.
Animals usually avoid consuming the bitter-tasting foliage if more suitable forage is available. Introduced from the cold desert regions of Eurasia. First leaves appear opposite, cylindrical, usually broadest near the tip, with tufts of long white interwoven hairs in the axils . Tips rounded, with a short bristle at the apex . Apex bluntly rounded, tipped with a stiff bristle 1-2 mm long .