Big saltbush
Atriplex lentiformis
Last reviewed: October 2026
Big saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NV, TX and 1 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.
Toxicity unknown
Big saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–96" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, TX and 1 more states
Pollinators
wind-pollinated
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A large, dense, gray-leaved shrub tolerant of poor and saline soils, with an informal rounded habit that can become sprawling if not shaped. Flowers are inconspicuous and wind-pollinated.
Growing Big saltbush
Grow Big saltbush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 48 to 96 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Provides dense cover and nesting structure for birds, and its seeds are eaten by small birds and mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big saltbush need?
- Big saltbush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Big saltbush bloom?
- Big saltbush blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Big saltbush native?
- Big saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis) is native to AZ, CA, NV, TX and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Big saltbush attract?
- Big saltbush draws wind-pollinated.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Big saltbush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.