Brazos County Herbarium

Brazos County Horticulture Extension

Four-wing saltbush

Atriplex canescens

Chenopodiaceae

Description

Four-wing saltbush is a deep-rooted, native, evergreen shrub that reaches heights of 3 to 6 feet. It is highly heat and drought tolerant. Its leaves are alternating, closely attached, thick, and gray.

Four-wing saltbush has yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and are followed by the easily recognized four-winged fruit in October.

It is highly palatable to both livestock and wildlife, especially in times of drought. The leaves are browsed by deer and rabbits and the seeds are eaten by numerous birds and small mammals.

Habitat

Four-wing saltbush is found in soils ranging from dry mesas and salt flats to praries and hillsides.

Images

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Department of Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management

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