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.