The genus sensu stricto is distributed in Australia,[1] central and southwestern Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.

[2] Common names of various members of this genus and related genera are saltwort (for their salt tolerance) and tumbleweed or roly-poly.

The genus was recircumscribed in 2007 based on molecular phylogenetic research, greatly reducing the number of species.

[2] Synonyms of Salsola sensu stricto are: Darniella Maire & Weiller, Fadenia Aellen & Townsend, Neocaspia Tzvelev and Hypocylix Wol..[citation needed] Plants of the World Online includes:[7] Excluded species: Many species formerly grouped in Salsola were excluded by Akhani et al. (2007).

Some may now be classified in separate genera:[2] The leaves and shoots of S. soda, known in Italy as barba di frate or agretti, are cooked and used as vegetables.