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Atriplex species
There are nearly 60 species of Saltbush found in the United States. Reaching heights of nearly a meter, this shrubs bears many spiny appendages. The leaves of Saltbush taste like -you guessed it- salt. Found throughout the intermountain west. Elevation: 2,500 - 7,500ft. This is a good planting choice if you have an uncontrollably alkaline growing site. Does extremely well in dry and infertile situations. A number of Atriplex species are native to the more dry, alkaline soils of the west. None of them are particularly attractive by themselves, A. confertifolia (shadscale) having the most compact form and interesting, rosette-like foliage; A. canescens (four-wing saltbush) has interesting seed heads but little else. Probably best used as an accessory element with hardscape and more interesting perennials and shrubs. Uncommon in trade. Different Atriplex species germinate more readily than others. Four-winged Saltbush, Atriplex canescens can be sown in a container for indoor germination and covered to depth . Germination will take place in 10 to 20 days. Atriplex confertifoli on the other hand is a much tougher candidate and needs soaking in hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours followed by cold treatment for 60 to 90 days. Then sown in a container and covered to depth and grown until well rooted. At best A. confertifolia will give sporadic result when sown directly in the desired location and covered with ¼" soil. However it will be worth it either way. Large nurseries often propagate these from direct seeding in fields and let nature take its course. |
A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. Aldo Leopold
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