Species Suckley's Saltbush
peach flowers with yellow-green leaves and brown stems and branches

Suckley's Saltbush

Atriplex suckleyi

Suckley's Saltbush (Atriplex suckleyi) is a low-growing shrub native to western North America. It is a drought-tolerant plant, found in semi-desert regions with sandy, alkaline soils. Its narrow, deeply-cut leaves are grey-green in colour, while its tiny flowers are green or purple in spring. This hardy plant blooms abundantly and can be found in a variety of habitats, including disturbed habitats. It is also an important food source for birds and small mammals. As well as providing shelter, it can also be used in landscaping, as it is salt and drought tolerant.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,red,yellow,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Atriplex suckleyi requires infrequent but deep watering. During the summer months, water the plant deeply once a month. During the cooler, winter months, wait until the soils just start to dry out before giving it a deep soaking (approximately every 2 or 3 weeks). Soil should be kept evenly moist during the summer but should never be left soggy, as this could cause root rot. It is best to water in the morning so the plant has time to dry off before nightfall.

sunlight

Suckley's Saltbush (Atriplex suckleyi) is usually grown in full sun. It prefers lots of light, so it should be in a spot with 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day. If the plant is in an area with too much shade, it may not reach its full height or produce many flowers and fruit. The plant may also need extra water and fertilizer if it is not getting enough sunlight. In hot areas, this plant may need afternoon shade if temperatures reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

pruning

Suckley's Saltbush (Atriplex suckleyi) should be pruned regularly to encourage new growth and form. Pruning should primarily take place in early spring, just before growth begins, to reduce the size of the plant and encourage new growth. Depending on the desired size of the plant, some pruning may need to take place throughout the summer. This pruning should generally be done just as the flowering period ends to promote new full growth. This can help keep the shape and size of the plant in check. In late fall, pruning should take place to thin out and open up the plant. This will remove any old or dead branches in order to create a healthier and more manageable plant. Finally, new growth should be pruned in winter. This will help to produce a greater growth flush in the spring.

Season

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

Atriplex suckleyi is a perennial shrub that is typically harvested in late summer and early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Atriplex suckleyi typically begins flowering in June.

Harvest Fruit

Atriplex suckleyi is a perennial shrub that is typically harvested in late summer and early fall, usually between August and October.