Shadscale
Atriplex confertifoliafam. Chenopodiaceae
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Pl. 88E9 — Atriplex confertifolia
Atriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifoliaAtriplex confertifolia
IOverview
Overview
Shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) is a subshrub or shrub native to the western United States and northern Mexico, found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Known for its edible parts—leaves and seeds—it thrives in full sun with dry to moist conditions and light (sandy) or medium soil types. This plant can grow up to 1.8 meters tall and is hardy in zones 6-9. Its distinctive feature includes the ability to adapt to various habitats, making it a resilient species in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Shadscale?
Shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) is a subshrub or shrub native to the western United States and northern Mexico, found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
Compare with:Atriplex dimorphostegia→Atriplex subcordata→Australian Saltbush Australian saltbush→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Shadscale thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions with light or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 1.8 meters tall as a subshrub or shrub. For best results, maintain a soil pH between 7.5 and 9. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Harvest edible parts such as leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–9
For first-time growers
How to grow Shadscale for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Shedscale seeds or small plants, a container or garden bed, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Shadscale during spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 7.5-9, either in a pot or garden bed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant when they have several leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to help establish roots. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Shadscale prefers full sun, so place it in a sunny spot. Water sparingly once established.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove any dead branches as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune, and using the wrong pH soil.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are typically dried before consumption. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 13 native
Broader regions
native:Colorado, Idaho, Mexico Northeast, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Chenopodiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Chenopodiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 88e9cd5e-1e87-4255-823a-06423cbaf698
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