How much sun does Shadscale saltbush need?

Shadscale saltbush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Shadscale saltbush bloom?

Shadscale saltbush blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Shadscale saltbush native?

Shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Shadscale saltbush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Atriplex confertifolia

Last reviewed: November 2026

Shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Shadscale saltbush, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia) 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

12"–36" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states

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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Shadscale saltbush.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Great Plains

A dense, spiny, gray-branched shrub with small silvery-scaled leaves, forming low rounded mounds in arid alkaline flats. Its wind-pollinated flowers are inconspicuous.

Growing Shadscale saltbush

Grow Shadscale saltbush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Seeds and foliage provide important browse for wildlife in arid regions, and dense branching offers shelter for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Shadscale saltbush need?: Shadscale saltbush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shadscale saltbush bloom?: Shadscale saltbush blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Shadscale saltbush native?: Shadscale saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Shadscale saltbush? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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