Fourwing Saltbush
Atriplex canescens
A tough, extremely drought-tolerant shrub native to western North America with prickly leaves that provide shelter and food for birds.
Extremely tough across USDA zones 4-11; handles hard mid-desert freezes and searing low-desert heat, plus salinity and drought that kill most shrubs.
AMWUA Notes
One of the toughest very-low-water natives; thrives in saline soils with no irrigation and provides key bird cover and forage.
Care Guide
Extremely drought and salt tolerant; water monthly at most once established and it survives on rainfall alone, making it ideal for unirrigated zones.
Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and control size; it takes hard renewal cuts well but does not need shearing.
Never fertilize; it thrives in poor, saline, and alkaline soils that defeat other plants.
Free of serious pests; its main garden note is heavy wind-pollinated pollen from male plants and dense cover for birds.
Semi-evergreen and grayish year-round; inconspicuous yellow flowers in late winter to spring give way to the papery four-winged seeds that name it and feed birds.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Tolerates almost any soil including saline, alkaline, and heavy clay; unfazed by caliche and pH above 8.
Needs well-drained soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
From seed (four-winged utricles) or semi-hardwood cuttings; dioecious.
5-6 ft
Deep, spreading roots aid erosion control but pose no hardscape threat.
Placement Tips
- •Space on 5-6 ft centers for erosion control on banks or as a rugged windbreak and screen.
- •Excellent for reclaiming salty, alkaline, or disturbed soil at property edges and desert perimeters.
- •Keep away from pools and patios; wind-blown seed and prickly foliage make it a poor near-water choice.
- •Choose female plants to avoid heavy pollen if allergies are a concern.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
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Use this care guide to maintain your Fourwing Saltbush. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Fourwing Saltbush — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Fourwing Saltbush need in Phoenix?
Fourwing Saltbush is a very low-water shrub once established. Extremely drought and salt tolerant; water monthly at most once established and it survives on rainfall alone, making it ideal for unirrigated zones. One of the toughest very-low-water natives; thrives in saline soils with no irrigation and provides key bird cover and forage.
How big does Fourwing Saltbush get?
Expect roughly 5 ft tall and 5 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 5-6 ft of spacing when planting. Deep, spreading roots aid erosion control but pose no hardscape threat.
Can you plant Fourwing Saltbush near a pool?
Not ideally. Fourwing Saltbush is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Fourwing Saltbush handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Fourwing Saltbush is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Extremely tough across USDA zones 4-11; handles hard mid-desert freezes and searing low-desert heat, plus salinity and drought that kill most shrubs. Semi-evergreen and grayish year-round; inconspicuous yellow flowers in late winter to spring give way to the papery four-winged seeds that name it and feed birds.
Does Fourwing Saltbush have thorns?
Yes — Fourwing Saltbush has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Fourwing Saltbush safe around pets?
Fourwing Saltbush is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Fourwing Saltbush bloom in Arizona?
Fourwing Saltbush blooms in late winter-spring, with yellow flowers.
How much maintenance does Fourwing Saltbush need?
Fourwing Saltbush is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Prune in late winter to remove dead wood and control size; it takes hard renewal cuts well but does not need shearing.
What kind of soil does Fourwing Saltbush need?
Tolerates almost any soil including saline, alkaline, and heavy clay; unfazed by caliche and pH above 8. It needs no supplemental feeding. Never fertilize; it thrives in poor, saline, and alkaline soils that defeat other plants.
Is Fourwing Saltbush native to Arizona?
Yes. Fourwing Saltbush is native to Arizona and to the Western North America, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.