SafePlants

Atriplex lentiformis: The Quail Bush

Atriplex lentiformis, commonly known as Quail Bush or Big Saltbush, is a versatile shrub found in specific regions. This plant has several interesting characteristics and uses, making it a subject of interest for both botany enthusiasts and those concerned with ecological interactions.

Common Names

• Quail Bush
• Big Saltbush
• Big Saltbrush
• Quailbrush
• Lenscale
• Len-scale Saltbush
• White Thistle
• Coastal Quail Bush
• Saltbush
• Chamizo Grande

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Atriplex lentiformis
• Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family), now considered part of Amaranthaceae.
• Synonyms: The text refers to different authorities for the name, including Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S. Watson and Atriplex lentiformis ssp. lentiformis.
• Subspecies: Atriplex lentiformis spp. brewerii is mentioned.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to coastal California, extending up to 100 miles inland.
• Also found in Nevada, such as at The Wash.
• Specifically mentioned as being found in Orange County, California.
• Some populations thrive in desert and coastal regions of California, illustrating adaptation.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A large, evergreen shrub, potentially reaching up to 8 feet in height.
• Generally wider than tall.
• Twigs are terete (cylindrical) with no striae (ridges or grooves).
• Leaves described as gray, and materials from coastal regions of California have broader, merely ovate, rounded leaves.

Ecological Role

• Provides cover habitat for birds and mammals.
• Fruits are eaten by various birds, including songbirds and quail.
• Can be used in vegetated swales and large-scale features for Low Impact Development (LID).
• Used for windbreaks, borders, and range management.
• It is noted that materials from the coastal and near coastal regions of California have somewhat broader, merely ovate, rounded leaves.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Fruits eaten by a variety of birds and mammals, including songbirds and quail.
• Mentioned as a host plant for the Gray Hairstreak butterfly.

Ethnobotanical Uses

• The Native American Pima groups consume the seeds.
• Seeds are ground into a meal and used as a thickener.
• The Cahuilla used the dried leaves, smoking them as a cold remedy.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ATLE
• CalPhotos: Images available online.
• Discover Life: Provides information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.