Chenopodium nutans
climbing saltbush
Overview
Einadia nutans is a low, scrambling evergreen perennial native across much of Australia, often listed under the older name Chenopodium nutans. It forms a sprawling mat or low mound of wiry, trailing stems that can spread 3-6 feet (1-2 m) wide while staying only 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) high, and the stems will clamber through other plants. The small, fleshy leaves are roughly triangular to arrow-shaped, grey-green, and about 0.2-1 inch (0.5-2.5 cm) long. The flowers are tiny, greenish, and easy to overlook, carried in slender spikes through much of the warmer half of the year. They are followed by small, round, succulent berries that ripen bright red and are eaten by birds and lizards; the ripe fruit was also eaten by Aboriginal people. It grows in a wide range of habitats, from coastal dunes to dry inland plains, and tolerates drought, salt, frost, and poor soils once established. The sprawling stems can scramble untidily through neighbours, so it suits informal plantings and groundcover rather than tidy borders.
Native Range
Native across mainland Australia and Tasmania, in habitats from coastal dunes and saltmarsh edges to dry inland plains and open woodland. It grows on a wide range of soils, including saline and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Einadia nutans is used as a groundcover and scrambler in native, coastal, and dry gardens, on banks, and in containers and hanging baskets, where its salt and drought tolerance suits exposed sites. Its red berries feed birds and lizards and add seasonal colour at ground level. It also works as a living mulch between larger plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'8"
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish, inconspicuousFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Einadia nutans grows in full sun to part shade in almost any well-drained soil and tolerates drought, salt, frost, and low fertility once established. It needs little water and no routine feeding. Heavy, permanently wet soils are the main limitation. The scrambling stems can be trimmed at any time to keep the plant within bounds. It is easily raised from seed or cuttings and often self-sows where birds drop the berries. A trim in late winter refreshes straggly growth.Pruning
Straggly or overgrown stems can be cut back at any time to keep the mat tidy and within bounds. A harder trim in late winter prompts denser fresh growth. No regular pruning is otherwise needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons