Atriplex semibaccata
berry saltbush
Overview
Atriplex semibaccata is a prostrate to low-spreading perennial subshrub of the family Amaranthaceae, growing 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) tall and spreading 3–6.5 feet (1–2 m) across. The trailing stems form a dense mat and root where they touch moist soil. The oblong to spoon-shaped leaves are 0.4–1.2 inches (10–30 mm) long, grey-green, and covered in a mealy, scurfy coating that reflects light and reduces water loss. Small, inconspicuous flowers are followed on female plants by flattened, diamond-shaped fruiting bracts that become fleshy and red, the source of the name berry saltbush. A. semibaccata grows on saline and disturbed ground, clay flats, and roadsides across much of inland and coastal Australia, and has naturalised in other dry-summer regions. It tolerates salt, drought, and poor soils, and is grazed as fodder, but it is short-lived, frost-tender at the tips, and can spread beyond where it is planted. Growth thins in shade and in cold, wet winters.
Native Range
Native to inland and coastal Australia, on saline flats, clay soils, and disturbed ground across arid and semi-arid regions, and naturalised in other dry-summer parts of the world.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover for saline and dry sites, erosion control on banks, and low-water fodder plantings. Suited to coastal, arid, and disturbed ground. Spaced 3–5 feet (0.9–1.5 m) apart for cover.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread3' - 6'6"
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering is inconspicuous, occurring through the warmer months. The display comes from the fleshy red, diamond-shaped fruiting bracts on female plants, which develop after flowering and persist for some weeks. Male plants do not set the red fruit.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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