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Gardner's saltbush
Scientific Name: Atriplex gardneri
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Gardner's Saltbush (Atriplex gardneri)
Gardner's saltbush, scientifically known as Atriplex gardneri, is a low-growing subshrub native to western North America. It is also known by the common names moundscale and Nuttall's saltbush.
Considerations for Pets
- Gardner's saltbush is a shrub with a woody base and numerous herbaceous upper stems.
Considerations for Children
- Gardner's saltbush is a shrub with a woody base and numerous herbaceous upper stems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Atriplex gardneri (Moq.) D. Dietr.
- Family: Amaranthaceae (Goosefoot family), formerly Chenopodiaceae
- Synonyms: Obione gardneri Moquin-Tandon, Atriplex nuttallii
- Rank: Species
- Subspecies/Varieties:
- Atriplex gardneri var. aptera (A. Nelson) S.L. Welsh & Crompton – moundscale, Nelson's saltbush
- Atriplex gardneri var. falcata
- Atriplex gardneri var. gardneri
Distribution and Habitat
Gardner's saltbush is native to western North America. It is typically found in harsh, arid sites with fluctuating temperatures and high winds. It can be found at various elevations.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Growth habit: Spreading, low-growing subshrub
- Growth form: Decumbent or rounded
- Height: Typically grows 8 to 20 inches tall
- Habit: Much-branched, with branches sometimes producing adventitious roots.
- Leaves: Green-gray and scruffy, six times as long as they are wide.
- Type: Evergreen
Ecological Role
- Often forms plant communities such as the Gardner's Saltbush/Bud Sage Plant Community (Atriplex nuttallii)/(Artemisia spinescens).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Associated with Birdfoot sagebrush in certain shrubland ecosystems.
- Grows alongside shrubs like greasewood, shadscale, winter-fat, and spiny hop-sage in Wyoming desert environments.
- May be found alongside Galleta grass and Big sagebrush in certain habitats.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)