Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex)

Atriplex canascens (Fourwing Saltbush) is a remarkably resilient plant native to some of the harshest environments in the Intermountain, Great Plains, and Great Basin regions of the west. Soft, velvety foliage has a distinctive silvery sheen which not only adds visual interest to your garden, but helps the plant reflect sunlight in hot, arid climates. This highly drought-tolerant shrub has a wide and dense growth habit, making a perfect living hedge or privacy screen that blends seamlessly with your surrounding environment. Deep root systems also help to stabilize the soil, making it useful for erosion control in vulnerable areas.

A. canascens is one of the most important and widely distributed native shrubs on rangelands in the West. It provides highly nutritious browse for deer, bighorn sheep, antelope, and elk, especially during the fall and winter months. Dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Its seeds, fruits, and foliage, feed a variety of small mammals and birds. The plant’s flowers, though small and inconspicuous, attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Fourwing Saltbush prefers full sun and well-drained soil but is highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, including those with high salinity. This makes it an excellent choice for coastal gardens or areas with poor soil quality. Once established, this xeric perennial requires little to no supplemental watering.