Atriplex cordulata var. cordulata

Heartscale

Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: annual · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2

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.

Habitat: Saline or alkaline soils

Bloom period: Jun-Jul

Elevation: < 70 m

Bioregions: GV.

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