Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Atriplex canescens
Fourwing Saltbush
The Atriplex canescens, commonly known as the Fourwing Saltbush, is an upright grey-green shrub of the deserts and salt basins of western North America. It carries narrow mealy leaves on a densely branched frame, and female plants produce heavy crops of distinctive four-winged papery fruit that persist through winter.
It is a standard species in North American arid land rehabilitation and it transfers well to Gulf conditions, tolerating salinity, drought and poor soil together. It is used for saline and degraded site rehabilitation, verge planting and low shelter.
Specifications
- Height1 to 2 metres
- Width1 to 2.5 metres
- Native toWestern and central North America, from the Great Basin and Chihuahuan deserts to the plains
- FoliageNarrow, mealy, grey-green leaves held densely on upright branches; evergreen to semi-evergreen
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilAccepts saline, alkaline, gypseous, sandy and gravelly soils; needs free drainage rather than fertility
- LightFull sun
- WaterVery low; strongly drought-tolerant with a deep root system
- ClimateThrives in hot arid and semi-arid regions and tolerates both extreme heat and hard winter cold
Additional Features
- FormUpright, densely branched grey-green mound, useful as low shelter and as a nurse plant
- FruitHeavy crops of four-winged papery fruit on female plants, persisting through winter and highly distinctive
- UsesSaline and degraded site rehabilitation, verge and embankment planting, low shelter belt and nurse planting, drought forage
- SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2 metres apart for continuous cover
- Low MaintenanceCut back occasionally to refresh density; no irrigation or feeding required once established
- Pest ResistanceRobust with no significant recurring pest or disease problems
- Salt ToleranceHigh, and used specifically for revegetating saline and mine-affected ground
- Drought ToleranceVery high, sustained by a deep root system into the subsoil
- Wildlife AttractionSeed and foliage are taken by birds and small mammals, and the dense frame gives shelter on open ground
- Environmental BenefitsA standard species in arid land reclamation, valued for soil stabilisation and as wildlife browse
The Fourwing Saltbush is a proven rehabilitation shrub for saline, degraded and disturbed arid ground.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026