Atriplex semibaccata

Atriplex semibaccata_Australian saltbush_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: Atriplex denticulata, Atriplex flagellaris

Common names: Australian saltbush; berry saltbush; creeping saltbush; scrambing berry saltbush

Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush) is a low-statured, spreading, shrubby perennial (family Chenopodiaceae) that is native to Australia. It is distinguished by its small, grey-green leaves that are white on the underside and red, diamond-shaped fleshy fruits. Australian saltbush was introduced as a forage plant in the 1920’s. Since then, it has escaped cultivation and is now invasive in coastal grasslands, scrub habitat, and the higher ground of salt marshes, where it can form dense stands and displace native plants. Australian saltbush has become an alternate host plant for the pygmy blue butterfly since its introduction into North America.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Species ID Card

Invasive Species ID Card - To support field identification of early detection species, Cal-IPC has designed a set of Species ID cards that can be downloaded, printed double-sided, and trimmed to size.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

There are no Symposium presentations associated with this species yet.

Other Atriplex semibaccata Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Atriplex semibaccata_growth form_James Bailey_cropped
    Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush) growth form. Photo: James Bailey
    Atriplex-semibaccata_leaves-stems-and-fruit_Ron-Vanderhoff_cropped.jpeg
    Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush) leaves, stems and fruit. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff