Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii
Davidson's saltscale, Davidson's Saltscale
Photo: parent species Atriplex serenana · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii (Davidson's saltscale) is a native California herb in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by Southern CA bluffs, smaller leaves, spherical male flower clusters.
Davidson's saltscale is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in southern coastal California on coastal bluffs at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from April to October, this plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spherical terminal clusters. Growing with delicate branching stems, it forms low, spreading plants characteristic of coastal bluff environments. Its leaves are relatively small, with blade-like structures measuring 5 to 20 millimeters long, typical of adaptations to harsh coastal conditions. The plant's compact growth and subtle flowering pattern make it a distinctive element of California's coastal bluff ecosystems.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 23 sympatric species; Southern CA bluffs, smaller leaves, spherical male flower clusters
Habitat and range
Habitat: Bluffs
Elevation: < 200 m
Bloom period
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii blooms Apr-Oct.
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 serenana var. davidsonii native to California?
Yes. Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii bloom?
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii blooms Apr-Oct.
What plant family does Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii belong to?
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
Is Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii rare or endangered?
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii grow in?
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii grows in Bluffs.
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.