Contents
Description
Atriplex Confertifolia, commonly known as Shadscale, is a shrub that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is native to the western United States and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant has a rounded form and gray-green foliage that is covered with small scales. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers that turn into fruit with tiny seeds. The plant is drought-resistant and grows well in arid regions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Atriplex |
Appearance
Shadscale has a rounded shape with gray-green foliage that is covered with small scales. The leaves are small, about 1 inch long, and have a triangular shape. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-brown in color. The flowers turn into fruit that is about 1/8 inch in diameter and contains tiny seeds. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of 4-6 feet.
Care Guide
Shadscale is a drought-resistant plant that grows well in arid regions. It can tolerate poor soil and does not require much water or fertilization. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: Shadscale can grow in poor soil that is well-draining. It prefers alkaline soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Shadscale is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Shadscale is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunted growth. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Make sure the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Shadscale is native to the western United States and can be found in arid regions, such as deserts, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. It is a common plant in the Great Basin region.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Shadscale tolerate cold temperatures?
A: Shadscale is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -30°F.
Q: Does Shadscale require pruning?
A: Shadscale does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove dead wood.
Q: Is Shadscale a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, Shadscale is a good plant for erosion control because it has a deep root system that can stabilize soil.
Q: Can Shadscale grow in clay soil?
A: Shadscale can grow in clay soil as long as it is well-draining.
Related Plants
- Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush)
- Atriplex lentiformis (quail bush)
- Atriplex polycarpa (cattle saltbush)
References
- Brusca, R. C., & Brusca, G. J. (1990). Invertebrates. Sinauer Associates.
- Hickman, J. C. (2012). The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California. University of California Press.
- Moore, M., & Frank, R. (2015). A field guide to the plants of Arizona. FalconGuides.
