Caroxylon vermiculatum is part of the
climax community in the
Syrian steppe where it grows alongside
Artemisia herba-alba,
Atriplex leucoclada and
Stipa barbata. It also grows on the Jordanian steppe along with
Artemisia herba-alba and
Achillea fragrantissima, but all three of these useful fodder species are becoming increasingly rare because of
overgrazing. Exclusion of livestock from an area produces a large increase in the biomass of these species. It has a high protein content and is of high value as a forage crop in arid areas. It is planted in the Middle East for grazing by cattle, sheep, goats and camels.
Rainwater harvesting, in the form of contouring furrows that prevent run-off, increases the successful establishment and growth of
C. vermiculatum. Planting this and other native species, such as
Atriplex halimus, shows high potential for the improvement of the Badia rangelands in Syria. Prolonged drought sometimes caused the plants to shed their leaves. In California,
C. vermiculatum has been shown to be an
alternate host for the
plant viruses that cause
curly top, a disease of
sugar beet,
tomatoes and
cucurbits. ==References==