Atriplex confertifolia

Atriplex confertifolia, commonly known as shadscale saltbush, is a species of saltbush native to the western and central United States and northern Mexico. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family, which includes a wide variety of plants distributed across many regions of the world.

Description

Atriplex confertifolia is a small, usually compact shrub ranging from 1 to 3 feet in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and can vary in shape from linear to spatulate. The plant is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with the male flowers arranged in terminal spikes and the female flowers in axillary clusters.

Distribution and habitat

Atriplex confertifolia is found in arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States, from the Great Basin and Mojave Deserts, north to the sagebrush steppe of Idaho and Wyoming, and south to northern Mexico. It is typically found in alkaline and saline soils, and is a dominant species in many salt desert shrub communities.

Ecology

Atriplex confertifolia is an important forage plant for wildlife, particularly in winter when other food sources are scarce. It is also a host plant for the larvae of several species of Lepidoptera.

Uses

Historically, Native American tribes used Atriplex confertifolia for a variety of purposes. The leaves were used as a food source, while the seeds were ground into a flour. The plant was also used medicinally, with preparations used to treat ailments such as stomachaches and colds.

Conservation status

While Atriplex confertifolia is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, its habitat is being impacted by factors such as land development, invasive species, and climate change.

See also

• Atriplex
• Saltbush
• Amaranthaceae