Pursh Seepweed
Suaeda calceoliformis

Family: Amaranth (Amaranthaceae)
AKA: Horned Seablite, Paiuteweed
Photo taken on: August 27, 2020
Location: Russell Lakes State Wildlife Area, SLV, CO
Life Zones: Plains to foothills
Habitat: Saline and alkaline soils

Grows with waxy green and/or dark red striped branches up to 3 feet long which spread low to the ground then become erect. The leaves grow along the branches and are narrow and fleshy. The flower heads grow  in a spike from the branches. The tiny reddish-green flowers grow in many tight clusters along the spike with leaf-like bracts growing between them and no petals. Enclosing the flower is a green calyx with 5 fleshy lobes, at least one with a horn-like extension.

Flora of North America reference.