Spear Saltbush
Atriplex patula
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Sinai, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Virgin Islands
Josep Gesti
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Atriplex
- Species:
- Atriplex patula
- USDA Symbol:
- ATPA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- green
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
T-moth (Emmelina monodactyla), Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- saline, nutrient-poor, sandy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found in coastal and disturbed areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with cold stratification for 4-8 weeks.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold stratification.
Source: npn.rngr.net