Big Saltbush
Atriplex lentiformis
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Atriplex
- Species:
- Atriplex lentiformis
- USDA Symbol:
- ATLE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish
- 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
Macneill's sootywing (Hesperopsis gracielae), saltbush sootywing (Hesperopsis alpheus), Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Macneill's sootywing (Hesperopsis gracielae), Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; adapted to periodic wildfire in desert riparian and scrub habitats.
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in well-drained soil with full sun.
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