The fruits are ovoid-lanceolate capsules, 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in) long, containing tiny seeds enveloped in silky hairs.

[5] The species has a very wide range, occurring naturally from North Africa, across the Middle East and Central Asia to western China.

It is a prominent component of Tugay floodplain ecosystems along river valleys in arid and semi-arid regions, mixed with willow, tamarisk and mulberry in dense thickets.

[5][6] The species is used in agroforestry to provide leaves as fodder for livestock, timber and, potentially, fiber for making paper.

It is also used in afforestation programs on saline soils in desert regions, and to create windbreaks and check erosion.