Moundscale
Atriplex ×aptera
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Chenopodiaceae
- Genus:
- Atriplex
- Species:
- Atriplex ×aptera
- USDA Symbol:
- ATAP
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Glaucina ochrofuscaria, Perizoma custodiata, Pero meskaria, Scrobipalpa atriplex, Trichoclea antica, Mojave Sootywing (Hesperopsis libya), saltbush sootywing (Hesperopsis alpheus), 🛑San Emigdio blue (Plebulina emigdionis), Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals, ground-nesting birds
- 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:
- adapted to saline and arid conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily without treatment in warm soil; some may require light for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI