Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay

Fourwing Saltbush  (Atriplex canescens)
Plant: Shrub, two to 15 feet tall, many branches, some of which may be spiny.  Young leaves and stems are covered with small white scales that help reduce water loss.
Flowers: Male and female flowers mostly on different plants.  Male flowers are yellow, tiny and grow in globular clusters.  Female flowers grow in elongated open clusters 2 to 16 inches long.  Seeds have 4 fringed wings that arise at right angles to the seed.
Leaf: Long, linear shaped, 3/8 to 1-1/2 inch long, singly or in small clusters.  Leaves have tiny bladders that store salt which is released onto the leaf surface.
Flowering period:   March to August
Use by Indians:  Leaves and seeds harvested for food.
Can be found here: Big Canyon
Native Plant: Yes Halophyte: Yes
Family Name: Goosefoot 
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Date:10/5/2005