Species Silverscale Saltbush
lime-green foliage with yellow-brown stems

Silverscale Saltbush

Atriplex argentea var. argentea

Also Known As - Silvery Orache
Silverscale Saltbush (Atriplex argentea var. argentea) is an evergreen shrub native to arid regions. High in lignans, it was used for forage by the Indigenous people of Central America. Growing up to three feet high, the plant's foliage is a silvery green and its leaves are covered with a white wax coating. Its flowers are small spikes of yellowish-green that grow in clusters. Saltbush is drought-resistant and can tolerate salty soils, making it an important species for protecting shorelines from erosion. It is a great addition to xeriscaping gardens in arid regions, and its edible leaves can be used in salads or to make tea.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

silver,green,gray,gray Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

The Silverscale Saltbush should be watered once every week during the growing season (June to September). Water the plant until the soil is slightly damp, but never soggy. Watering frequency should then be decreased to once every 2 weeks during the fall (October to November) and should be done less and less as the winter approaches and days begin to shorten. During the winter, the Silverscale Saltbush should only be watered when the soil has been completely dry for 2-3 weeks. When water is given, use enough but do not over-water as this could cause root damage.

sunlight

Silverscale Saltbush flourishes in full sunlight, receiving at least 6 hours of light per day. While this species can withstand partial shade, it will grow and thrive best in environments with direct sunlight for most of the day. It is especially well-suited to growing in climates with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, as it is native to desert regions of the western United States. In warmer areas, however, it can tolerate less direct sunlight in summer months and more in winter months.

pruning

Silverscale Saltbush should be pruned annually in the spring. Pruning too early in the season can slow the shrub’s growth and reduce its flowering potential. Pruning should be done to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any overly long stems. Pruning should also be done to limit the size of the plant and to encourage a bushier look. Pruning should involve removing the oldest, largest branches while preserving the smaller, younger ones. It's best to only remove no more than 1/3 of the plant at any 1 time, as more aggressive pruning may kill the bush.

Season

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

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Atriplex argentea var. argentea is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Atriplex argentea var. argentea is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.