Wedgescale Saltbush
Atriplex truncata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Wedgescale is a low-growing annual saltbush with small, triangular gray-green leaves that give it a distinctive silvery appearance. This drought-tolerant native thrives in poor soils and produces inconspicuous flowers from June through August. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed under favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wedgescale Saltbush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual growth habit creates unpredictable appearance year to year
- Can look weedy or sparse, especially when young or stressed
- May self-seed in unwanted locations
Wildlife value
This plant provides habitat and food for small wildlife, though it is not considered a significant pollinator plant. The seeds may attract small birds and the foliage can provide cover for beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Wedgescale Saltbush need?
- Wedgescale Saltbush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Wedgescale Saltbush bloom?
- Wedgescale Saltbush blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Wedgescale Saltbush native?
- Wedgescale Saltbush (Atriplex truncata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Wedgescale Saltbush HOA-friendly?
- Wedgescale Saltbush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Wedgescale Saltbush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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