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 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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Fourwing saltbush

Atriplex canescens

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 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 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: (c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: (c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bobby McCabe
Photo 3: (c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: sandy, loam, clay
Soil pH: 7.0 to 9.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: high
Site uses: Hellstrips / parking strips, Hot south- or west-facing walls

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 3 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: low
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.

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 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 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 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.