SafePlants

Atriplex barclayana: Dwarf Saltbush

Atriplex barclayana, commonly known as Dwarf Saltbush, is a plant species of interest due to its drought tolerance and specific adaptations to saline environments. It is part of the broader Atriplex genus, which includes between 250 and 300 species.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that sheep have been fed the leaves, fruits, and twigs of Atriplex barclayana.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Atriplex barclayana (Benth.) D. Dietr.
• Common Name: Dwarf Saltbush
• Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae)
• Group: Dicot
• Synonyms & Subspecies:
  • Atriplex barclayana subsp. dilatata (Greene) H.M.Hall & Clem.
  • Atriplex barclayana subsp. lurida (Brandegee) H.M.Hall & Clem.
  • Atriplex barclayana subsp. palmeri (S.Watson) H.M.Hall & Clem.
  • Atriplex barclayana subsp. sonorae (Standl.) H.M. Hall & Clem. (Synonym)
  • International Plant Names Index lists variations as Atriplex barclayana Brandegee
  • Atriplex barclayana var. barclayana
• The plant was first described by George Bentham, and the exact name was later provided by David Nathaniel Friedrich Dietrich.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Atriplex barclayana forms dense mounds of nearly white foliage.
• It is a low, spreading, mounding evergreen groundcover, typically growing to 1 foot in height and 4 feet in width (1'hx4'w).
• It is a perennial halophyte shrub, indicating its adaptation to salty environments.

Distribution and Habitat

• The species is found in dune vegetation alongside plants like Creosote Bush and Rush Milkweed.
• It can cover large areas alongside cholla species (Opuntia cholla and O. bigelovii).
• Observed in the field by albertomendoza on May 28, 2015.
• Interactive maps showing the distribution of Atriplex barclayana are available.

Ecological Role

• Atriplex barclayana is a halophyte, meaning it is adapted to grow in saline conditions. Studies have investigated its growth and ion accumulation under varying NaCl levels.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Studies have been conducted to assess the digestibility of Atriplex barclayana when fed to sheep.
• It is mentioned in the context of various plant communities and associations, such as the Abronietum maritimae association nova.

Further Information

• Explore the Encyclopedia of Life for more information.
• Consult the ASU Vascular Plant Herbarium.
• Tropicos and IPCN provide further details.
• Discover Life offers insights into its biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
• PlantSystematics.org provides information on its phylogeny and nomenclature.