SafePlants

Welsh's Saltbush (Atriplex welshii)

Welsh's Saltbush, scientifically known as Atriplex welshii, is a perennial subshrub or shrub belonging to the genus Atriplex.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that some saltbush varieties have spiny characteristics, though not specifically for Atriplex welshii. It's good to be mindful of this in case the plant does express some spininess.

Considerations for Children

• Similar to the consideration for pets, keep in mind that saltbush varieties can have spiny characteristics.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Atriplex welshii C.A. Hanson
• Common Name: Welsh's Saltbush
• Family: Chenopodiaceae (now included in Amaranthaceae)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms and Alternative Names:
  • Atriplex gardneri var. welshii (C.A. Hanson) S.L. Welsh (accepted name)
  • Atriplex welshii C.A. Hanson (not accepted)
  • Atriplex aptera A. Nelson (pro sp.) - may be related as Nelson's Saltbush
  • Atriplex gardneri var. aptera (A. Nelson) S. L. Welsh &amp Crompton (alternative name for Atriplex aptera)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States and the Great Plains.
• Often found in Mat-atriplex and Castle Valley saltbush communities on Mancos shale formations.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habit

• Growth Habit: Subshrub, Shrub
• Duration: Perennial (grows year after year)
• Flowering: Spring-Fall

Ecological Role

• There's mention of displacement of Atriplex gardneri by halogeton, indicating potential competition between these species.

Interactions With Other Organisms

• It "occurs with var. cuneata", this implies that this saltbush is in the same region as another variety.

Further Information

• Flora of North America Vol. 4 is mentioned as a resource for information on Welsh's saltbush, Bonneville saltbush, and Nelson's saltbush.
• British Database of World Flora and Fauna.