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tubercled saltbush

Scientific Name: Atriplex acanthocarpa

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Atriplex acanthocarpa: Tubercled Saltbush

Atriplex acanthocarpa, commonly known as tubercled saltbush, is a fascinating plant native to certain regions of North America. This page provides an overview of its characteristics, distribution, and ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is also known as "armed saltbush," suggesting potential physical defenses like thorns or spines.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is also known as "armed saltbush," suggesting potential physical defenses like thorns or spines.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Atriplex acanthocarpa (Torr.) S. Watson
  • Common Names: tubercled saltbush, armed saltbush, huaha
  • Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae)
  • Rank: Species. The text also mentions the subspecies Atriplex acanthocarpa var. coahuilensis (Henrickson) S.L. Welsh & Crompton.
  • Synonyms: The text references that "Arrowleaf saltbush, aka spearscale or fat-hen, went by the former name Atriplex".

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Texas and other states in southwestern North America, including New Mexico and Arizona.
  • Also found in northeastern Mexico.
  • Grows in alkaline flats and gypseous soils.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Perennial subshrub or shrub.
  • Reaches a maximum size of up to 1 meter (39 inches) tall and 1 meter wide.

Ecological Role

  • The text mentions that "saltbush species (Atriplex spp.)" serve as a host plant for the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly, on which the butterfly lays its eggs on its leaves.
  • The text mentions the plant having "wildlife value".

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ATAC
  • Discover Life: Information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.