Atriplex polycarpa
Desert Saltbush
Description
Small silvery blue leaves. Males & females. Native on alkaline flats < 3500' in West. Full sun. Very drought tolerant will survive on available rainfall. 3' x 6'. Slow or moderate depending on moisture. Mounding, gray & sprawling. Will tolerate wet areas also. Good for reveg in extremely alkaline or arid situations. Primary use is for erosion control. Cattle are fond of it. Birds also like seeds. Produces moderate amts of pollen. Fast. Australian.
Plant Type
Shrub, Ground cover
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Grey Green, Grey
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
n/a
Location Uses
Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Parking Lot, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Birds, Butterflies
Water Saving Tip:
Apply a 2" layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost, or aged sawdust.
Inorganic mulches such as gravel are also acceptable.