California Saltbush

Extriplex californica

Native to:
Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Genus:
Extriplex
Species:
Extriplex californica
USDA Symbol:
ATCA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct

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 following fire; typical of saltbush species in fire-prone habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in coastal and desert areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment. Best results with cool temperatures.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours, followed by a freshwater rinse

Establishment: Seeds are collected between September 5th and October 27th. Mature fruit is an urticle with a membranous pericarp bearing one seed. There are several capsules per inflorescence. Seeds are black, shiny, hard, round, and flat at maturity and are 2 mm long.

Source: npn.rngr.net