Cattle Saltbush
Atriplex polycarpa
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © steinm (iNaturalist #145432811)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Atriplex
- Species:
- Atriplex polycarpa
- USDA Symbol:
- ATPO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
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:
- native to arid desert regions, tolerates saline conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. May have variable germination due to seed dimorphism.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are leached/soaked in water for 10 to 24 hours to remove any inhibitors and to allow full imbibition of seeds prior to sowing.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in late fall when seeds have matured. A. polycarpa is found in alkaline soils; from Owens Valley, California to Utah and south to Sonora and Lower California, Mexico.
Source: npn.rngr.net