Atriplex argentea var. longitrichoma

Pahrump orach

Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: annual · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1

Pahrump orach is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in the Mojave Desert in saline soils at elevations of 700 to 850 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with erect stems 10 to 30 centimeters tall and decumbent to ascending branches covered in fine scales, it has a distinctive branching structure. Its leaves are generally sessile with elliptic to ovate blades 10 to 35 millimeters long, tapering at the base and presenting a subtle, silvery-green appearance. The plant is adapted to harsh, salty environments with a compact growth form that helps it survive in challenging desert conditions.

Habitat: Saline soils

Bloom period: Apr-Jun

Elevation: 700-850 m

Bioregions: DMoj (exc DMtns)

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.