Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata
Heartscale
Photo: parent species Atriplex cordulata · (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata (Heartscale) is a native California annual in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by distinctive cordate leaf bases and central tooth larger than others on fruit bracts.
Heartscale is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the Central Valley in saline or alkaline soils at elevations below 70 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers with distinctive fruiting bracts. Growing with delicate branching stems reaching 30 to 50 centimeters tall, it thrives in challenging soil conditions. Its leaves are variable, typically triangular to oval-shaped, with a grayish-green coloration that helps the plant blend into its harsh habitat. The plant's most distinctive feature is its fruit bracts, which have a central tooth notably larger than the surrounding teeth.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 22 sympatric species; distinctive cordate leaf bases and central tooth larger than others on fruit bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Saline or alkaline soils
Elevation: < 70 m
Bloom period
Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 cordulata var. cordulata native to California?
Yes. Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata bloom?
Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata belong to?
Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
Is Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata rare or endangered?
Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata grow in?
Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata grows in Saline or alkaline soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
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.