Fourwing saltbush
Atriplex canescens
Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Tough native that thrives where salt + alkaline kill other plants. Silvery foliage; four-winged seeds.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water3–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Atriplex canescens
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 3–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- 7.0–9.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Hellstrips / parking strips, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first 2 summers, slow to establish. Bombproof after rooting; needs no supplemental water.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Fourwing saltbush good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Fourwing saltbush is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Fourwing saltbush?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Fourwing saltbush get?
- It matures to about 3–8 ft tall and 4–8 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Fourwing saltbush?
- Space Fourwing saltbush about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Fourwing saltbush hardy on the Front Range?
- Fourwing saltbush is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Fourwing saltbush need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Fourwing saltbush grow?
- Fourwing saltbush is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Fourwing saltbush native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Fourwing saltbush deer-resistant?
- Fourwing saltbush is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
