Atriplex confertifolia
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Atriplex confertifolia Torr & Frem |
Atriplex confertifolia (Shadscale) is a species of evergreen shrub in the Amaranthaceae family, which is native to the western United States.
Shadscale is a common, often dominant, shrub in the lowest and driest areas of the Great Basin. It prefers sandy, well-drained soils and it is tolerant of moderately sailine conditions. Its height varies from 1 to 3 feet. Compared to fourwing saltbush, shadscale has shorter and wider leaves and the fruit does not have four wings (although it may have two wings in a "V" shape).
Shadscale fruits and leaves provide important winter browse for both domestic livestock and native herbivores.