Overview
Atriplex canescens is an evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) tall and as wide, with many stiff, spreading branches. The narrow, linear-to-oblong leaves are 0.5-2 inches (1.5-5 cm) long, gray-green and covered in tiny scales that give them a mealy, silvery look and help the plant resist heat and salt. The species is usually dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers appear in summer; female plants then form dense clusters of dry fruits, each enclosed by four papery wings 0.25-0.5 inch (6-13 mm) wide that turn tan and persist into winter. The deep, wide root system reaches scarce water and stabilizes soil. Growth is moderate to fast in its range. The plant tolerates saline, alkaline, and poor soils where few shrubs grow. Foliage may thin in hard winters at the colder edge of its range.
Native Range
Native to western North America, from the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains west to California and south into Mexico. Grows in deserts, dry plains, mesas, salt flats, and washes on sandy, alkaline, and saline soils, from low deserts to about 7,000 feet (2,100 m).Suggested Uses
Planted for windbreaks, erosion control, and revegetation of dry, saline, or disturbed land, and in desert and xeriscape gardens, spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart. The foliage and seeds are browsed by livestock, deer, and birds, and the dense branches give wildlife cover. Its size and spread suit it to large, open plantings rather than small beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Small yellowish flowers appear in summer, usually June through August, and are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Female plants form four-winged fruits that ripen in late summer and fall. The dry, tan fruits persist on the plant into winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight