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beach saltbush
Scientific Name: Atriplex leucophylla
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Beach Saltbush (Atriplex leucophylla)
Considerations for Pets
- The plant may grow in sandy areas, or along the high tide line.
- Belongs to Goosefoot family, so might be presumed edible.
Common and Scientific Names
- Scientific Name: Atriplex leucophylla
- Common Names: Beach Saltbush, White Orache, Sea scale, Sand Mat
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot family)
- Synonyms: Mentions of Chenopodium californicum and Salicornia virginica alongside Atriplex leucophylla may indicate historical confusion or related species.
- Author Citation: Atriplex leucophylla (Moq.) D. Dietr.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the coastline of California and Baja California.
- Specifically mentioned locations include: Ft. Bragg, Channel Islands
- Grows in sandy areas next to the bay and along the high tide line of sheltered inlets.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Densely white-scaly.
- Prostrate to decumbent perennial.
- Many short decumbent to erect branches.
- Grows up to 30 cm tall.
- Forms oval or elongated leaves.
- Separate and clustered flowers.
- Grey-green groundcover.
Ecological Role
- Aids in the formation of coastal sand dunes.
- A pioneer dune species.
- Plants found on coastal sand dunes are mostly prostrate.
Quirky Facts
- References to "Saltbush Bistro" in Aldinga Beach, Australia suggest culinary use or regional association, though not directly attributed to *Atriplex leucophylla* itself.
Further Information
- Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Atriplex leucophylla.
- CalPhotos: Offers images of Atriplex leucophylla.