Learn More Details About This Plant

Stutzia covillei is a specialized halophyte frequently documented near the margins of dry lakebeds like Rodgers Dry Lake. Its ability to withstand highly saline conditions makes it a key indicator species for alkaline desert sinks.

Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Coville's orach, arrow-scale, Coville's endolepis
  • Synonyms: Atriplex covillei, Endolepis covillei
  • Family: amaranthaceae
  • Genus Information: stutzia

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual herb
  • Habit: erect to spreading
  • Shape: irregular / branched
  • Size: 3–50 cm tall
  • Stem: branched from base, older stems with whitish bark

Leaves

  • Color: green to gray-green
  • Shape: triangular-hastate, ovate, or lanceolate
  • Edge: entire
  • Arrangement: alternate
  • Leaf Retention: annual

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: inconspicuous; greenish or reddish-brown
  • Flower Size: 1–2 mm
  • Number of Petals: 0
  • Bloom: april–july
  • Fruit: utricle enclosed in ovate bracteoles

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: alkaline, saline, or clay-heavy soils
  • Habitat: salt playas, dry lakebed margins, creosote bush scrub

Distribution

  • Distribution: california, nevada, and southern oregon
  • Seen: Ash Meadows
  • Elevation: 700–1500 meters

Gallery

Stutzia covillei

Ash Meadows

Stutzia covillei

Ash Meadows

Stutzia covillei

Ash Meadows

Stutzia covillei

Ash Meadows