Species Silverscale Saltbush
light-yellow flowers, with grey-green foliage

Silverscale Saltbush

Atriplex argentea

Also Known As - Silvery Atriplex
Silverscale Saltbush is an evergreen shrub native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its silvery scales and leaves give it a distinct shiny or silvery appearance. The plant produces small yellow or pink flowers from summer to fall and edible fruits in the winter. It is drought-tolerant and able to thrive in poor soils with low fertility. It is a great choice for garden use and landscaping in areas with hot, dry climates and salty soils. Also known as Alikreukel, it is drought-resistant and can be pruned to shape making it suitable for borders and accents in dry gardens and xeriscapes.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,yellow,brown Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Silverscale Saltbush thrives in dry climates and requires patience and minimal tending. It requires full sun for optimal growth, so select a location that receives direct sunlight each day. In general, Silverscale Saltbush should be watered deeply and less often. Watering should be done every 10-14 days for established plants, during periods of extreme heat and drought water more often. To water, use a nozzle to give each plant a thorough, deep soaking. Take care not to overwater as this can cause root rot and other moisture-related problems.

sunlight

Silverscale Saltbush prefers full sunlight and can tolerate extreme heat conditions. During the summer months, it should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 8-10 hours a day. During the winter, it should receive reduced amounts of sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours a day. This plant may need additional light in low-light or shady conditions, and supplemental artificial lighting can help.

pruning

The Silverscale Saltbush should be pruned in late summer or early fall. The amount of pruning you do will depend on the size and shape that you are looking to create. If you are trying to contain the size of the plant, then it is best to remove any dead wood and a few of the oldest branches. This will encourage new growth and lush foliage. You also want to lightly prune any shoots that are growing at odd angles and look out of place. If you plan on shaping the bush, it is best to wait until the end of summer or early fall to do most of the pruning. This is when they have more energy and can heal more quickly. Depending on the size and shape of the bush, you may want to remove more than just the dead or odd branches. Make sure to create a shape that is pleasant on the eyes and gives each branch plenty of room to grow.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Atriplex argentea is typically harvested from July to September.

Harvest Fruit

Atriplex argentea is typically harvested from July to September.