Fourwing Saltbush

Fourwing Saltbush, Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. is a Southwestern desert native.

The shrub is evergreen, growing up to seven feet high and 15 feet wide. Very drought, heat and cold tolerant.

Requires full sun, little or no maintenance and once established, very little water.

Flowers from May to September, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants. Male flowers are greenish and female flowers are yellowish in color.

Fruit is composed of a pair of 2-winged bracts, which give it the "fourwing" appearance.

The plant does very well in high alkaline soils and is used to revegetate saline areas.

Fourwing Saltbush is a valuable forage used for sheep, goats and cattle as well as deer, elk, rabbits and other small animals.

Fourwing Saltbush is a great plant for areas in need of erosion control. Does very well in the desert Xeriscape setting.

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