Atriplex canescens var. linearis
Slenderleaf saltbush
(c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bobby McCabe · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Atriplex canescens var. linearis (Slenderleaf saltbush) is a native California shrub in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by very narrow leaves and specific fruit bract characteristics.
Slenderleaf saltbush is a California native shrub found in the Peninsular Ranges and desert regions in sandy soils, dunes, and flats at elevations below 800 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in delicate clusters. Growing 1 to 2.5 meters tall with an open, spreading form, it develops multiple stems that create an airy, distinctive silhouette. Its leaves are notably narrow and linear, measuring 10 to 35 millimeters long and just 1 to 3 millimeters wide, with sharp-pointed tips that give the plant a fine, delicate texture. The fruit-bearing bracts are sessile, with free tips that extend beyond the narrow wings, creating an intricate architectural quality to the plant's structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 26 sympatric species; very narrow leaves and specific fruit bract characteristics are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soils, dunes, flats
Elevation: < 800 m
Outside California: Arizona, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Atriplex canescens var. linearis blooms May-Jul.
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 canescens var. linearis native to California?
Yes. Atriplex canescens var. linearis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex canescens var. linearis bloom?
Atriplex canescens var. linearis blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Atriplex canescens var. linearis belong to?
Atriplex canescens var. linearis is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
What habitat does Atriplex canescens var. linearis grow in?
Atriplex canescens var. linearis grows in Sandy soils, dunes, flats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.