About:
What woody shrub has interesting means in which to conserve water in its desert environment? Learn more about Fourwing Saltbush.
Atriplex canescens
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.
6a (−10 °F to −5 °F)
6b (−5 °F to 0 °F)
7a (0 °F to 5 °F)
7b (5 °F to 10 °F)
8a (10 °F to 15 °F)
8b (15 °F to 20 °F)
9a (20 °F to 25 °F)
9b (25 °F to 30 °F)
10a (30 °F to 35 °F)
10b (35 °F to 40 °F)
Endangered Status
- Extinct in Wild (EW)
- Critically Endangered (CR)
- Endangered (EN)
- Vulnerable (VU)
- Near Threatened (NT)
- Least Concern (LC)
- Not Evaluated (NE)
Salty leaves
The Fourwing Saltbush is a woody shrub that has developed an interesting means to conserve water in the desert environment. Young leaves are covered with scales to prevent water loss, while older leaves have tiny hairs that concentrate and seep salts. When grown in high saline environments, the leaves become completely covered with salt.
Fun Facts:
- Some Native Americans used the leaves to make yellow dye.
- Seeds were used to make flour.
- This plant provides food and shelter for wildlife.
