Heart-Leaved Saltbush
(Atriplex cordulata )
Chenopodiaceae

Photo Copyright 2003 George W. Hartwell

Description: Annual herb 4 - 20 inches (1-5dm) long, with 1 to a few stiff stems growing upward from the base. Branches are gray and scaly, with densely matted hairs covering the tips. Leaves are sessile, thickish, pear-shaped, 1/4 - 5/8 inches (6-15mm) long, with a cordate base on the lower leaves, and a rounded base on the upper leaves. Fruit bracts are pear-shaped to roundish, fused half-way up, deeply toothed on the edge, and 1/8 - 1/4 inches (3.5-5mm) long. Both male and female flowers are mixed in clusters. Seeds are red-brown, 1/16 inch (1.5-2mm) long.

Distribution:

Habitat: Hard, trampled soil, grassland, saline or alkaline soils. Elevation 3.2 - 1200 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms April - October.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B