Other Names:  syn. Chenopodium spinescens, Creeping Saltbush

Description:

A small to medium shrub with attractive, silvery gray-green foliage and a dense habit that can be maintained by pruning; frost and drought tolerant, good for coastal sites; adaptable to a wide range of soils; an excellent groundcover, edging, or low hedge

Ornamental Features

Spiny Saltbush is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent red berries from late summer to early fall, which fade to plum purple over time. It has attractive grayish green foliage with hints of silver. The small fuzzy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain grayish green throughout the winter. The white stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Spiny Saltbush is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds and squirrels to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Spiny Saltbush is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Hedges/Screening
• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Spiny Saltbush will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 7 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.