Big Saltbush

(Atriplex lentiformis)

Big Saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Atriplex lentiformis, commonly known as Big Saltbush, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to coastal sage scrub, alkali flats, and desert washes in the Southwestern USA, California, and Northwestern Mexico. It typically reaches one to three meters in height and often spreads more widely, with a highly branched structure and scaly or scurfy gray-green leaves up to 5 centimeters long, which may be toothed or rippled along the edges. The species is notable for its adaptability to dioecious or monoecious reproductive strategies, with male flowers appearing in narrow inflorescences up to 50 centimeters long and female flowers in smaller, more compact clusters. Big Saltbush blooms in June and July, with inconspicuous flowers that are not typically grown for ornamental value.

Big Saltbush is valued for its tolerance to saline conditions and is often used in the restoration of riparian habitats and for erosion control due to its extensive root system. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring soils with medium drainage. This plant is also used for forage and as a windbreak in agricultural settings. While it is not prone to many diseases, it can spread widely and may become weedy in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-8 feet
  • Width: 3-13 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal sage scrub, alkali flats, and desert washes in the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Coastal Quail Bush , Big Saltbrush , Quailbrush , Lenscale , Len-Scale Saltbush , White Thistle , Orache

Scientific Names: Atriplex lentiformis , Atriplex lentiformis subsp. typica , Obione lentiformis var. rhombifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S.Watson