Fourwing Saltbush
Atriplex canescens
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Atriplex
- Species:
- Atriplex canescens
- USDA Symbol:
- ATCA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, browsing ungulates
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire or top removal. Increases in density following fire in some rangeland systems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.5 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Thrives in arid and semi-arid environments; salt-tolerant.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with light exposure and alternating temperatures. Variable germination due to seed coat permeability differences.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are leached 24 hours with running water, soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 4 hours, leached for another 24 hours and then stratified at 3 to 5 C for 4 weeks. Alternatively, seeds are imbibed in water for 2 days.
Establishment: Fourwing saltbush is difficult to grow due to low utricle fill, seed dormancy, and generally poor germination rates. Cuttings of young shoots may be worthwhile to experiment with in growing this species for restoration projects. Improved germination has been observed after scoring seeds with a razor blade. The plant is widely distributed in the western United States and is a valuable forage for livestock and wildlife, especially in the winter. It is also useful in erosion control due to its deep roots.
Source: npn.rngr.net