Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S.Watson

Growth Form

Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S.Watson is a spreading, clumping shrub that grows 1 to 3 meters tall, and is generally wider than it is tall. It is heavily branched, and produces scaly or scurfy gray-green leaves that reach up to 5 centimeters in length.

Leaf Morphology

Leaf edges are often toothed or rippled.

Sexual System

This species can be dioecious or monoecious: an individual may bear only male flowers, only female flowers, or sometimes both sexes of flowers on the same plant. Individual plants can switch between monoecious and dioecious growth, and can change sex from male to female or female to male.

Flowering Period

This species blooms in June and July.

Native Distribution

Atriplex lentiformis is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Soil Habitat

It grows in habitats with saline or alkaline soils, including salt flats, dry lake beds, coastlines, and desert scrub. It can also grow in nonsaline soils on riverbanks and in woodland.

Lepidopteran Host Use

This saltbush species, along with Atriplex canescens, acts as a food plant for the butterfly Hesperopsis alpheus, the saltbush sootywing.

Restoration Application

Atriplex lentiformis is used for riparian habitat restoration, and is one of the native plants included in riparian zone restoration projects within its native range.