Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii
Hillman's silverscale
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii (Hillman's silverscale) is a native California annual in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by elevation range and small stature with smooth fruit bracts distinguish this rare variety.
Hillman's silverscale is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native annual found in northern Sierra Nevada, eastern and northern Mojave Desert, and eastern Mono Basin in saline or clay valley bottoms at elevations of 875 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces pale flowers with subtle silvery-gray tones. Growing 15 to 30 centimeters tall with decumbent to erect stems that have spreading to ascending branches, it forms a delicate, open structure. Its leaves range from 8 to 20 millimeters long, with blade shapes varying from ovate to elliptic or obovate, featuring rounded to slightly tapered bases. The plant's distinctive silvery appearance and ability to thrive in challenging saline environments make it a resilient desert annual.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 24 sympatric species; elevation range and small stature with smooth fruit bracts distinguish this rare variety
Habitat and range
Habitat: Saline or clay valley bottoms
Elevation: 875-1700 m
Outside California: southeastern Oregon, western Nevada
Bloom period
Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Artemisia: Atriplex leaves have bead-like scales; Artemisia leaves are finely divided and aromatic when crushed.; vs Ambrosia: Atriplex has simple scaly leaves; Ambrosia has deeply lobed or divided leaves with coarse hairs.; vs Extriplex: Atriplex has 3-5 calyx lobes on male flowers and two seed colors; Extriplex has exactly 4 lobes and uniform dark seeds.; vs Chenopodium: Atriplex has bead-like bladder hairs and paired fruit bracts; Chenopodium has mealy powder and calyx-enclosed fruits.; vs Eriogonum: Atriplex has scaly leaves and paired fruit bracts; Eriogonum has smooth leaves and papery flower tubes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii native to California?
Yes. Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii bloom?
Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii blooms Jun-Sep.
What plant family does Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii belong to?
Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
Is Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii rare or endangered?
Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii grow in?
Atriplex argentea var. hillmanii grows in Saline or clay valley bottoms.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Atriplex argentea var. longitrichoma — Pahrump orach
- Atriplex canescens — Four-wing saltbush
- Atriplex canescens var. canescens — Fourwing saltbush
- Atriplex canescens var. laciniata — Caleb saltbush
- Atriplex canescens var. linearis — Slenderleaf saltbush
- Atriplex canescens var. macilenta — Salton saltbush
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.