SafePlants

Atriplex canescens: F-Wing Saltbush and More

Atriplex canescens, commonly known as F-wing Saltbush, is an evergreen shrub with several other common names including chamiso, chamiza, and f-wing saltbush (with variations in capitalization and hyphenation). The name "Saltbush" refers to the plant's tolerance for salty conditions, while "F-wing" refers to the distinctive winged seeds.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is a shrub.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is a shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt.
• Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot Family)
• Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
• Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
• Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
• Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
• Plant Symbol: ATCA2

Distribution and Habitat

F-wing Saltbush is widespread and often dominant on salty or alkaline soils of western North America, ranging from Mexico through Canada. It is particularly abundant in the Great Basin region and is native throughout much of the arid west, including areas like the southwestern U.S.A.

Ecological Role

• It is an ecologically important range plant in arid south-western U.S.A. rangelands.
• It is widely used for reclamation plantings.

Morphological Characteristics

• Atriplex canescens is an evergreen shrub, varying greatly in form from compact and rounded to sprawling and low to open-branched and treelike.
• It typically grows to a height and width of approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet), but can reach heights of 2 meters (6 feet) or even 1.5-3 meters (5-10 feet) on occasion.
• The leaves are alternating, linear to narrow, gray-green, glandular, and densely white-scaly, measuring around 1 inch long.
• Flowers are minute and greenish. Summer flowers are relatively insignificant, but the clusters of gold-tan fruits can be attractive.
• It is deep-rooted.

Traditional Uses

• Native Americans in the American Southwest used F-Wing Saltbush for food and soap.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• F-wing Saltbush provides excellent browse for deer season long and is a good browse plant for bighorn sheep, antelope, and elk in fall and winter.
• It readily hybridizes with several other species in the Atriplex genus.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS Idaho Plant Materials Program.
• Encyclopedia of Life.
• ARKive.
• Dave's Garden.
• Montana Seed Growers Association.