Atriplex canescens

Fourwing Saltbush

Plant family: Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot

Rating:

Plant type: Shrub

Plant origin: N/A, California

 
Container Avail Qty Add to
My List
Price
One Gallon 0   12.99

Add to My List

Flower Color Insignificant
Blooming Season Summer
Height 2-3 feet, 3-5 feet
Spread 5-10 feet
Sun / Shade   
Monthly Water
> Learn More
Wildlife Friendliness Rating
Plant Community > Learn More

Alkali Sink, Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Coastal Strand, Creosote Bush Scrub, Inland Sage Scrub

Best Soil Conditions > Learn More

Clay, Decomposed Granite, Sand, Sandy Loam, Adaptable, Alkaline, Salt

Special Characteristic

Attracts Wildlife, Edible , Important to Native People, Salt Tolerant, Tolerant of Clay Soil

Plant Highlights

Four-wing saltbush is a species of evergreen shrub in the Amaranthaceae family, which is native to the western United States. It has a highly variable form, and readily hybridizes with several other species in the Atriplex genus. Its height can vary from 1 foot to 10 feet, but 2 to 4 feet is most common. The leaves are thin and 0.5 to 2 inches long. It is most readily identified by its fruits, which have four wings at roughly 90 degree angles and are densely packed on long stems. The fruit stem resembles a mass of corn flakes. Fourwing saltbush is most common in early succession areas such as disturbed sites and active sand dunes. It is also found in more mature successions dominated by sagebrush and shadscale. It becomes very drought tolerant after a few good waterings. The whole plant is edible. The seeds can be ground into meal, young shoots used as greens, burn the leaves and use the ashes as baking powder. A very good bird plant. They will defoliate under extreme drought. The salt they accumulate in their leaves allows them to extract water from the soil other plants cannot.They need to be under some form of water stress, either drought, salt, or salt spray.

Leave us a comment, your rating and/or your favorite picture

Please share your thoughts with us about this plant. We would like to hear about the good things and the problems. We also would appreciate seeing any photos and have you rate this plant. To leave comments or to rate a plant you must be registered.



 

 

Comments

No comments for this plant.