Atriplex lentiformis

This evergreen (drought deciduous) shrub grows to 8' tall and can be used in the native garden as a border or windbreak. The yellowish flowers are small, but the bloom is followed by an attractive and abundant display of pinkish fruit. A great plant for tolerating salty soils; also excellent for bird and butterfly gardens. Quail and other birds use its seeds for food and its foliage for cover. Rabbits like it too, so protect the plant until established. All of the plant is edible. Central California, southern Nevada, Utah, and central Arizona into Baja California and Sonora, Mexico A great plant for tolerating salty and alkaline soils, this plant is also great for a bird and butterfly garden. Quail and other birds use its seeds for food, and its foliage for cover. Pima Indians pit-cured and dried big saltbrush seeds for a thick gruel. Chauilla were similar in usage as well as use of the flour to make small cakes, use of leaves as a soap, and use of flowers, stems and leaves as a treatment for nasal congestion. Found in alkaline or saline washes. Communitites located in Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 4921 feet.

Useful as a salt-tolerant hedge or windbreak. Erect to 10' and spreading 12-15', it has green-gray, heart-shaped leaves. Summer flowers are inconspicuous. Hardy to 10F. California.