Species Acadian Saltbush
green leaves with red fruits on brown branches

Acadian Saltbush

Atriplex glabriuscula var. acadiensis

Acadian Saltbush is an evergreen shrub native to eastern North America. It grows in dry, sandy soils of coasts and inland ridges, tolerating drought and salt. The leaves are oval or triangular with toothed margins and green on top with gray or white hairs underneath. Its flowers are inconspicuous, but it produces clusters of tiny fruits. Acadian Saltbush is a valuable source of food for birds and mammals and provides shelter. It is used in coastal restoration projects to stabilize dunes and increase biodiversity.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Nelson's Saltbush should be watered once every 7 to 10 days. It should be watered thoroughly, then allowed to dry out completely in between waterings. During hot and dry weather, it may need to be watered more frequently. When watering, it is best to use water that is free of chlorine and other chemical additives.

sunlight

Nelson's Saltbush (Atriplex gardneri var. aptera) requires full sun or light shade for optimal growth. It does best with 8–10 hours of direct sunlight per day, with the best growth occurring in hot, dry climates. In cooler zones, 3–4 hours of direct sunlight per day can be sufficient. Shade from adjacent trees should be avoided if possible, as it will reduce the amount of sunlight that the plant receives.

pruning

Nelson's Saltbush should be pruned in late spring and early summer. It is best to prune this plant when it is actively growing and to avoid pruning it during the winter months. Pruning should remove any dead or diseased branches and thin out overcrowded areas of the plant to promote air circulation. This will help to improve the vigor of the plant. Aim to remove about 1/3 of the oldest branches, keeping the remaining branches well spaced. At the end of each season, prune any excess growth to keep the shrub from becoming overgrown.

Season

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

Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

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