Cattle Saltbush
(Atriplex polycarpa)
Cattle Saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa)
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Bob Miller
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Bob Miller
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bob Miller | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Bob Miller | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-04-06T18:14:36-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Atriplex polycarpa, commonly known as Cattle Saltbush, is a deciduous shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions, including desert basins, dry washes, and alkaline flats in the Southwestern United States, California and Baja California. It typically grows to a height of 2-6 feet (0.6-1.8 meters) and a width of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters), with a rounded and spreading habit. The plant is well-adapted to its harsh native environment, often found in areas with saline or alkaline soils. It produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in the summer, which are followed by fruits that are palatable to wildlife and livestock.
Cattle Saltbush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, saline soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It is also used for erosion control and as forage for livestock in arid regions. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it can survive with minimal water once established, moderate irrigation will support more vigorous growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cattle Saltbush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, saline soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It is also used for erosion control and as forage for livestock in arid regions. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it can survive with minimal water once established, moderate irrigation will support more vigorous growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1.5-6 feet
- Width: 2.5-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, 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., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, including desert basins, dry washes, and alkaline flats in the Southwestern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Desert Saltbush, Cattle-Spinach
Scientific Names: , Atriplex polycarpa, Atriplex curvidens, Obione polycarpa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Atriplex polycarpa (Torr.) S.Watson