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

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand, Loam

Fruits:

green,yellow Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

The Acadian Saltbush should be watered once every week. Each watering should provide the soil with approximately ¼ – ½ inch of water. It is important to avoid over-watering, as well as overwatering the soil. To determine if the soil is too wet, simply touch the top layer of soil and if it can form a ball easily, it is too wet. If the soil is too dry, it will crumble or feel powdery. If the soil is damp, that is the optimal level of moisture. Additionally, to ensure the soil does not dry out quickly, mulching around the base of the plant is encouraged.

sunlight

Acadian Saltbush is best suited for full sun and will derive a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. It is important to note that this species is somewhat tolerant of partial shade, but extended periods of shade or cloud cover may compromise the overall health of the plant. Planting Acadian Saltbush in an area with a good amount of sunlight exposure is recommended.

pruning

Acadian Saltbush (Atriplex glabriuscula var. acadiensis) is best pruned in the late fall or early spring before new growth begins. The amount of pruning to do on this species depends largely on the desired size of the shrub. To maintain its tidy appearance, it is recommended to prune lightly once a year in late winter or very early spring by cutting back the new shoots to a third of their size using hand pruners. Doing this will result in a more compact shrub, control its size and shape, and encourage new growth. However, it is important to both prune judiciously and not cut away too much of the new growth, as this can weaken the plant and leave it vulnerable to pests and disease.

Season

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

Harvesting of Atriplex glabriuscula var. acadiensis (Acadian Saltbush) typically begins in July and continues through September.

Starts Flowering

Acadian Saltbush typically starts flowering in June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Atriplex glabriuscula var. acadiensis (Acadian Saltbush) typically begins in July and continues through September.