Shadscale
Atriplex Confertifolia
Overview
Shadscale, Atriplex confertifolia, is a resilient, evergreen shrub native to arid western U.S. environments. It typically reaches 1-3 ft in height and spreads 2-4 ft wide. Adapted to harsh conditions, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, with silvery-gray foliage that conserves water. Small flowers bloom in spring. Ideal for xeriscaping, it provides excellent ground cover and habitat for local wildlife, with minimal maintenance required.
Sun FullWater Very LowZones 8–10Type ShrubClimate Arid

Culture
- Sun
- Full
- Water
- Very Low
- USDA zones
- 8–10
Shape & size
Classification
- Type
- Shrub
- Family
- Chenopodiaceae
- Climate
- Arid
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (48)
























Photographs by 2 contributors
- Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
- Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City,…, CC BY 2.0 · source
Related plants

Shrub
Brewer Saltbush
Atriplex Lentiformis Breweri
FullUSDA 8–8

Perennial
Creeping Australian Saltbush
Rhagodia Spinescens
FullUSDA 7–10

Shrub
Desert Saltbush, Cattle Spinach
Atriplex Polycarpa
FullUSDA 8–11

Grass
Desert Winterfat
Krascheninnikovia Lanata
FullUSDA 9–10

Shrub
Four-Wing Salt Bush
Atriplex Canescens
FullUSDA 8–10

Shrub
Old Man Saltbush, Chamisa
Atriplex Nummularia
FullUSDA 8–11