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tubercled saltbush

Scientific Name: Atriplex acanthocarpa ssp. 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 flowering plant belonging to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • The common name "armed saltbush" suggests the presence of thorns or other sharp features.
  • The plant produces tubercles.

Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Atriplex acanthocarpa
  • Common Names: Armed saltbush, Tubercled saltbush, Huaha

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae)
  • Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Atriplex acanthocarpa (Torr.) S. Watson
  • Subspecies: Atriplex acanthocarpa var. acanthocarpa, Atriplex acanthocarpa var. coahuilensis (Henrickson) S.L. Welsh &amp Crompton, S. Watson ssp. coahuilensis Henrickson

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Texas and other states.
  • Found in South-western North America: United States - New Mexico s.w., Texas, Arizona s.e. Mexico n.e.
  • Grows in alkaline flats and gypseous environments.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A perennial subshrub or shrub.
  • Reaches up to 1 meter (39 inches) in height and 1 meter in width.

Ecological Role

  • Has wildlife value.
  • Serves as a browse plant for animals.
  • Saltbush species (Atriplex spp.) serve as host plants for the Western Pygmy Blue butterfly.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant displays a pretty long period of vegetational rest, needing no water during this time.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: PLANTS Profile for Atriplex acanthocarpa
  • Discover Life: Discover Life page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Atriplex acanthocarpa