Species Four-Wing Saltbush
yellow-green leaves and stems

Four-Wing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens var. canescens

Four-Wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens var. canescens) is a perennial herb or shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It is native to western and southwestern North America and is found in semi-arid habitats. This species has gray-green, small, waxy leaves that are spaced in an alternating pattern up the stems. It is distinguished by its four-winged fruits, which are brown capsules containing edible seeds. In addition to providing food for grazing animals such as sheep and goats, this species’s thick branches help to protect soil from wind and water erosion. Its salty foliage also helps to reduce the impact of additional salt deposits on agricultural soil.Drought-resistant and easy to grow, four-wing saltbush is an ideal landscape plant for arid landscapes.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,yellow,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Four-wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens var. canescens) is typically a low-watering species, requiring no more than 1 inch of water per week during the active growing season (March-October). During the winter, the plant should be watered only when the soil feels dry to the touch. It is important to avoid overwatering as wet or soggy soil can cause root rot. Additionally, if plants are grown in containers, water more frequently as containers dry out faster than in-ground plants.

sunlight

Four-Wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens var. canescens) typically requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. This can be either morning or afternoon sunlight, or a combination of both. The plant should be placed in the brightest spot available, as this will maximize its growth and flowering potential. If the plant is not receiving enough sunlight, it may become weak and spindly, have fewer leaves, and produce fewer flowers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plant is getting enough sun for optimal health.

pruning

Four-Wing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens var. canescens) should be pruned during late spring or early summer after it has flowered. Pruning should be kept to a minimum, as it can lead to reduced flowering and less vigorous plant growth. When necessary, pruning should include the removal of dead, damaged or overcrowded branches/stems, and the thinning of overly dense regions to improve air circulation and light exposure. Pruning should be done in a way that maintains the shrub’s natural shape and size. It may also be beneficial to lightly thin the shrub’s canopy to keep enough flowers and fruit at the center of the plant.

Season

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

Harvesting of Atriplex canescens var. canescens typically begins in July and continues through October.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Atriplex canescens var. canescens typically begins in July and continues through October.