Spiny Saltbush
(Chenopodium spinescens)
Spiny Saltbush (Chenopodium spinescens)
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Kym Nicolson
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Kym Nicolson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kym Nicolson | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Kym Nicolson | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-01-05T09:33:31-08:00 |






















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Chenopodium spinescens, commonly known as Spiny Saltbush, is a multi-stemmed dense shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts and saltbush communities in Australia. It is often found in saline soils and can tolerate drought conditions. This species can reach up to 2 meters (7 ft) in height and is notable for its branches that often end in spines, providing a unique texture in the landscape. The flowers are inconspicuous with five perianth segments that are tiny and similar in appearance, accompanied by five stamens. The ripe fruits are red and succulent, attracting birds and other wildlife. In the Northern Territory, it flowers and fruits prolifically from February to December, while in Victoria, the flowering period is from January to April.
Spiny Saltbush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging soil conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It can be used as a hedge or barrier plant due to its spiny branches. For propagation, soft, current season growth tips should be taken from actively growing plants, wrapped in wet newspaper, sealed in a plastic bag, and planted after trimming to a length of 5–10 centimeters (2.0–3.9 in) and dipping in 3000 ppm IBA rooting hormone. It performs well in part shade to full sun and requires medium amounts of water, with a preference for medium or fast-draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Spiny Saltbush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging soil conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It can be used as a hedge or barrier plant due to its spiny branches. For propagation, soft, current season growth tips should be taken from actively growing plants, wrapped in wet newspaper, sealed in a plastic bag, and planted after trimming to a length of 5–10 centimeters (2.0–3.9 in) and dipping in 3000 ppm IBA rooting hormone. It performs well in part shade to full sun and requires medium amounts of water, with a preference for medium or fast-draining soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-4.5 feet
- Width: 3-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts and saltbush communities in Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Berry Saltbush, Thorny Saltbush, Creeping Saltbush, Hedge Saltbush, Berry-Saltbush, Hedge-Saltbush, Thorny-Saltbush, Spiny-Saltbush
Scientific Names: , Rhagodia deltophylla, Rhagodia spinescens, Chenopodium spinescens, Rhagodia spinescens var. deltophylla,
GBIF Accepted Name: Chenopodium spinescens (R.Br.) S.Fuentes & Borsch