Atriplex pusilla
Smooth saltbush
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Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Atriplex pusilla (Smooth saltbush) is a native California herb in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by Great Basin habitat, higher elevation, rigid non-brittle branches, thick fleshy leaves.
Smooth saltbush is a rare (CNPS 2B.1) California native annual found in the Great Basin in alkaline soils and hot springs at elevations of 1,300 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces small, subtle flowers with reddish undertones on slender branches. Growing up to 30 centimeters tall with multiple ascending stems, it develops rigid, somewhat reddish branches that are lightly scaled. Its leaves are thick and fleshy, elliptic to ovate, measuring 3 to 15 millimeters long with a distinctive compact structure. The plant produces tiny ovate fruits less than 1 millimeter long, compressed and smooth, with seeds that are light brown.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; Great Basin habitat, higher elevation, rigid non-brittle branches, thick fleshy leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkaline soils, hot springs
Elevation: 1300-2100 m
Outside California: Oregon, Idaho, Nevada
Bloom period
Atriplex pusilla blooms May-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
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 pusilla native to California?
Yes. Atriplex pusilla is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex pusilla bloom?
Atriplex pusilla blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Atriplex pusilla belong to?
Atriplex pusilla is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
Is Atriplex pusilla rare or endangered?
Atriplex pusilla carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank SH.
What habitat does Atriplex pusilla grow in?
Atriplex pusilla grows in Alkaline soils, hot springs.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.