Freely-branched semi-evergreen rounded shrub up to 5 ft. tall with dense green flower clusters, blooming March to July. Occurs on gravel and sands to heavy clays and highly calcareous alkaline soils free of salt and hardpans within sagebrush, saltbush desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities; up to 9,000 ft. elevation. Branches are spine-like at the tips. Extremely drought tolerant, remaining dormant throughout hot, dry summer months. Somewhat wildfire tolerant; sprouts afterwards. Valuable winter to early spring browse for numerous wildlife, including bighorn sheep and black-tailed jackrabbits. Provides good cover for birds and small mammals.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Shrub/subshrub

Native Status: Native

Growth Form: Multi-stem

Mature Height: 12-40 in.

Bloom Color:

Fruit/Seed Color:

Bloom Period: Late spring

Annual Precipitation: 5 in.

Drought Tolerance: High

Shade Tolerance: No

Elevation: 530-9,400 ft.

Wetland Indicator Status:

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: Low

Nitrogen fixation:

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: Yes

Salinity Tolerance: Medium

CaCO3 Tolerance:

pH Range:

SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound:

Seeding Rate:  PLS lbs/acre

Season: Fall

Days to Germination: