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Fourwing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens

true

1 gallon

Fourwing Saltbush

In stock

4'x4'

Sizes:

Fourwing Saltbush – Atriplex canescens
Also known as: Four-wing Saltbush, Chamiso, Chamiza

Fourwing Saltbush is a highly adaptable, evergreen to deciduous shrub in the Amaranthaceae family native to arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States, including the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, from sandy washes to clay flats and alkaline or saline soils. Depending on site and genetics, its form varies dramatically—from sprawling groundcover to upright shrubs up to 10 feet tall, though most mature at 2–4 feet.

The grayish, linear leaves and stems are densely covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a silvery sheen. Plants are dioecious, with separate male and female individuals. While the small summer flowers are inconspicuous, female plants produce large clusters of showy, golden-tan fruits with four papery wings that resemble curled cereal flakes—an ornamental highlight. These winged fruits are adapted for wind dispersal and add visual interest well into winter.

This species is extremely drought tolerant and thrives with minimal care once established. However, some irrigation during establishment boosts root growth and plant vigor. It is especially tolerant of saline soils and drought due to its ability to sequester salts in leaf bladder cells, which are then shed with old foliage—helping the plant access water unavailable to others.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Western Pygmy-Blue (Brephidium exilis); Mojave Sootywing (Hesperopsis libya); Saltbush Sootywing (Hesperopsis alpheus)
Nectar Source: Verified for generalist native bees and small butterflies
Bird Resources: Seeds; Nest Sites; Shelter
Bird Species: House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus); White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys); Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

4'x4'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Summer

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.