Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Quail Bush, Big Saltbrush, Big Saltbush, Quailbrush, Lenscale, Lenscale Saltbush White Thistle
  • Synonyms: Atriplex lentiformis
  • Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth/Goosefoot Family)
  • Genus Information: Arizona has 25 species of Atriplex, California has 51 species, Nevada has 27 species, New Mexico has 21 species, Texas has 21 species, Utah has 35 species.

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: shrub
  • Shape: round
  • Size: up to 9 feet
  • Stem: woody

Leaves

  • Color: gray-green
  • Shape: oval
  • Edge: toothed or rippled along the edges
  • Arrangement:
  • Leaf Retention: evergreen

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: dioecious or monoecious
  • Flower Color: Pink , Yellow , Green
  • Flower Size: 1/16 inch
  • Number of Petals:
  • Bloom: Jun, Jul
  • Fruit: flat seeds

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: riparian
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: well drained
  • Habitat: low alkaline, riparian areas

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, HI, NV, UT
  • Seen: LV
  • Elevation: 0-4000 feet (0-1220 m)

Photographs

Quail Brush (Atriplex lentiformis)

Quail Brush Female Flowers

Quail Brush (Atriplex lentiformis)

Quail Brush Seeds

Quail Brush (Atriplex lentiformis)

Quail Bush Male Flowers