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cattle saltbush
Scientific Name: Atriplex polycarpa
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Atriplex polycarpa (Allscale, Cattle Spinach, Allscale Saltbush, Cattle Saltbush)
Atriplex polycarpa, commonly known as allscale, cattle spinach, allscale saltbush, or cattle saltbush, is a plant with recognized utility in livestock management.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is referred to as a "saltbush," suggesting it may contain salts that could affect pets if ingested in large quantities.
Considerations for Livestock
- Saltbush has been used as fodder for various types of livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Atriplex polycarpa
- Common Names: Allscale, Cattle Spinach, Allscale Saltbush, Cattle Saltbush
- Family: Chenopodiaceae (or, according to some sources, Amaranthaceae)
- Genus: Atriplex
- Species: polycarpa
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Southwestern United States.
- Often found in association with unpalatable plant species.
Ecological Role
- Saltbush is a salt-tolerant forage plant.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Described as a small bush.
- Possesses seed heads.
Usage and Interactions
- Used as a supplementary feeding area for cattle.
- Historically used to support sheep and cattle during droughts.
- Saltbush is high in protein but low in energy.
- Grazed by cattle in regions like South Africa (Overberg region) and Australia.
Additional Information
- Livestock grazing saltbush must have access to fresh water.
- Saltbush may improve meat quality.
Resources
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Atriplex polycarpa.
- USDA NRCS PLANTS Database.