Female
Male
The flowers can be either male or female, but only one
sex is to be found on any one plant, and are pollinated by wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Saltbush initiates growth in spring. The
flowering period extends from May through July, depending on ecotype and climatic factors, with intermittent flowering after heavy rain. Foliage remains succulent even during hot, dry summer months. Seed dispersal is variable, but typically begins in late fall and lasts until the following spring.
If you are hungry, they can be used as a
food source when mixed with wheat or ground into a meal for baking bread. They also provide
nutritious forage for livestock and wildlife species throughout its range. Its persistent leaves are an important winter food source.
Gardner saltbush is
found on plains, badlands, and in valleys, usually occupying sites that are harsh and arid with widely fluctuating temperatures and high winds. It’s most common on saline, poorly developed, or clay soils with a pH of 7.8 to 8.6. Soils are typically low in available phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium.
