Saltbush

Four-wing Saltbush, Chamiso

Atriplex canescens

AT-rih-pleks kan-ESS-kens
3 to 4 ft.
3 to 4 ft.
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very low, low

yellow

mid- to late summer

3 to 4 ft.

3 to 4 ft.

Yes

western United States

sun

USDA zone 4

hardy to 8,000 ft.

Four-wing saltbush is one of the most widely distributed and important native shrubs on rangelands in the western United States. It is an important food source and shelter plant for many birds and mammals.

In the landscape, four-wing saltbush is an irregular shaped, mounding shrub. It has slender, blue-green leaves. Male plants have tiny, light yellow flowers at the tips of the branches. Female plants develop clusters of four-winged, tan seedheads in late summer. It is very tolerant of sunny, dry conditions once established.

very low, low

yellow

mid- to late summer

3 to 4 ft.

3 to 4 ft.

Yes

western United States

sun

USDA zone 4

hardy to 8,000 ft.

There is one four-wing saltbush growing at the Xeriscape Garden. It has an irregular shape, but is quite beautiful. When it develops its seedheads in the fall, it is stunning. It is very drought tolerant.

Prune to achieve desired shape, if desired. Can be pruned to ground level to rejuventate the shrub.