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silverscale saltbush
Scientific Name: Atriplex argentea ssp. expansa
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Perennial
Other Names:
Silverscale Saltbush (Atriplex argentea)
Atriplex argentea, commonly known as silverscale saltbush or silver orache, is a plant species found in western North America. This annual herb belongs to the saltbush family.
Considerations for Pets
- While the text indicates that no member of this genus contains any toxins, it is always wise to monitor pets around any plant material.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Atriplex argentea Nutt.
- Common Names: Silverscale saltbush, silver orache, silverscale, silverscale saltweed, silvery orache, silvery saltbush, silvery atriplex
- Family: Chenopodiaceae (now often included in Amaranthaceae)
- Synonyms: Atriplex expansa S. Wats.
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Subspecies: Atriplex argentea ssp. argentea var. argentea, Atriplex argentea ssp. expansa
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America.
- Found in dry, sparsely vegetated habitats.
Morphological Characteristics
- Annual herb growing to approximately 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) in height.
- Flowering occurs from July to September.
- Seeds ripen from August to October.
Ecological Role
- Mentioned alongside several other species of Atriplex, demonstrating its presence in a broader ecological context.
Traditional Uses
- The Navajo, Ramah people used the leaves as a fumigant for pain relief.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Discover Life
- TERMIUM (Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank)
- Dave's Garden