Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3083750

Fourwing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens

Also known as Chamiso, Chamiza, Wingscale

Fourwing saltbush is a deep-rooted, drought-hardy shrub that thrives in saline, alkaline desert soils across western North America. Female plants produce conspicuous clusters of seeds enveloped by four papery, cross-shaped wings that rustle in the desert wind and aid in wind dispersal. Its evergreen, scurfy foliage excretes excess salt onto the leaf surface and serves as an indispensable, protein-rich browse for wildlife throughout harsh winters.

Drought-TolerantDesert ShrubHalophyte
Fourwing Saltbush reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bobby McCabe · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photoautotrophic
Predators
  • Mule Deer
  • Pronghorn
  • Black-tailed Jackrabbit
ThreatsOvergrazing, invasive annual grasses, altered fire regimes
HabitatsArid shrublands, deserts, sand dunes, washes, alkaline flats
Life span20–40 years
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyAmaranthaceae
  3. GenusAtriplex
  4. SpeciesAtriplex canescens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for distinctive four-winged papery seed bracts lining the branches of female plants in late summer and autumn.
  • Soil Examination: Rub the silver-grey leaves between your fingers to feel the powdery, salt-excreting surface hairs.
Related species
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