1. Coast Saltbush (Quailbush) – Atriplex lentiformis ssp. breweri
(AT-rih-plex len-tee-FOR-mis BREW-er-eye)
Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
Native to: Species is native to much of Southwestern U.S.; the subspecies grows in coastal CA to
Baja. Coastal populations often at the base of coastal bluffs, on coastal floodplains or on margins of
coastal salt marshes.
spreading shrub
mature height: 4-10 ft. mature width: 4-10+ ft.
Large, fast-growing shrub. Foliage is gray-green. Branches widespread, slender, flexible. Grows in
dense stands with adequate water. Relatively long-lived. Drought deciduous, but evergreen in our
area with some summer water. Has an unusual scent – smell before you choose to plant it.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in early summer (June to July most commonly). Plants can be either
dioecious (separate male and female plants) or have both flowers on same plant. Flowers small,
easy to miss, green-gold, on flowering branches – wind pollinated. Fruits contain edible seeds.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a habitat plant. Makes a dense hedge, screen or windscreen which can be pruned to shape. Good for erosion control.
All parts of plant are edible
including foliage, seeds. Good choice for fire-prone areas as it is fire retardant.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native hedge shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides dense cover, nesting sites and seeds for food. Larval food
plant for Pygmy Blue butterfly.
Birds & animals also obtain salt from the leaves.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun
Almost any, from sand to clays. Tolerates alkali soils.
Very drought tolerant; can take anything from no summer water (will lose leaves) to
regular water (will grow quickly)
None required.
Very salt tolerant; also fine in alkali soils.
Management:
Easy.
Can prune to size/shape.
Propagation: from seed:
Major pruning every 5-7 years to rejuvenate.
soak seed to remove salt
by cuttings: hardwood & semi-soft wood in
fall/winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 12, 13, 14, 16, 24
11/24/10
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