Big Saltbush

Atriplex lentiformis

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Genus:
Atriplex
Species:
Atriplex lentiformis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, oct
Bloom Colors:
green, yellow, yellow-green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Macneill's sootywing (Hesperopsis gracielae), saltbush sootywing (Hesperopsis alpheus), Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:Marine Blue (Leptotes marina), Marine Blue (Leptotes marina), Mcneill's Saltbush Sootywing (Hesperopsis gracielae), Mcneill's Saltbush Sootywing (Hesperopsis gracielae), Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola), Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola), Saltbush Sootywing (Hesperopsis alpheus), Saltbush Sootywing (Hesperopsis alpheus), Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis), Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, saline soil
pH:
6.5 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
tolerates saline conditions well

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Plant is dioecious. Seeds are collected in winter from November to February. Avoid collecting after rains to prevent molding. No pests or fertilizers are necessary as this is a native species.

Source: npn.rngr.net