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Description
Atriplex Prostrata is a hardy, low-growing plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known as the desert holly or mat saltbush. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, but it usually stays small and compact. The leaves are green, small, and covered with tiny silver scales that give them a shimmering appearance. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and not very noticeable. However, they produce small fruits that can be used by birds and other wildlife.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Atriplex |
Appearance
Atriplex Prostrata is a small and compact plant that can form a dense mat on the ground. The leaves are small and green, but they are covered with tiny silver scales that make them look sparkly. The stems are woody and reddish-brown. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and they appear in late summer. The fruit is also small and greenish-brown, and it contains one seed.
Care Guide
Atriplex Prostrata is a hardy plant that can thrive in difficult conditions. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate poor soil and drought. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Atriplex Prostrata doesn’t need much water once established. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season, and let the soil dry out before watering again. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month.- Fertilization: Atriplex Prostrata doesn’t need much fertilizer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, but it’s not necessary.- Soil: Atriplex Prostrata prefers well-drained soil, but it can also tolerate poor soil. It can grow in sandy, rocky, or clay soil.- Sunlight: Atriplex Prostrata prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Atriplex Prostrata is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Atriplex Prostrata is a hardy plant that is not often affected by pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and fall off. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or an insecticidal soap.- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-drained and don’t overwater the plant.
Habitat
Atriplex Prostrata is native to North America and can be found in dry and arid regions, such as deserts, plains, and rocky slopes. It can also grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, fields, and abandoned lots.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Atriplex Prostrata be used as a ground cover?
A: Yes, Atriplex Prostrata can form a dense mat on the ground and be used as a ground cover.
Q: Is Atriplex Prostrata deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Atriplex Prostrata is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Atriplex Prostrata be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Atriplex Prostrata can be grown in a container, but it may not reach its full size.
Q: Does Atriplex Prostrata have any medicinal properties?
A: Atriplex Prostrata has been used by Native Americans to treat skin irritations and as a laxative. However, more research is needed to confirm its medicinal properties.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Atriplex Prostrata:- Atriplex Canescens (fourwing saltbush)- Atriplex Lentiformis (quail bush)- Atriplex Patula (orache)- Atriplex Hymenelytra (desert saltbush)
References
– “Atriplex Prostrata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c677- “Atriplex Prostrata.” Utah State University Extension. https://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/forb/herbaceous-shrubs/desert-holly- “Atriplex Prostrata (Moq.) D.Dietr.” Plants of the World Online. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:168808-2
