Plant Description:
Atriplex serenana A. Nels. var. davidsonii (Standl.) Munz, commonly known as Davidson's saltbush, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is a small, leafy, compact shrub with numerous branches that can grow up to 1-3 feet tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a silvery gray color, with a slightly wavy or toothed margin.
Plant Origin and Distribution:
Davison's saltbush is native to California and was first identified by the American botanist, Aven Nelson, in 1901. The shrub grows in coastal and desert regions, on sandy or rocky soils, and can tolerate both saline and alkaline conditions. This plant is commonly found in parts of Nevada, California, and Arizona, and is adapted to arid climates.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as Davidson's saltbush, Davidson's riparian saltbush, Triangle-leaf saltbush, and Dwarf saltbush due to its physical characteristics.
Uses:
Davidson's saltbush is used as a forage plant for livestock, particularly in areas with poor soils. The plant is also used in land reclamation and restoration projects, as it is tolerant to saline and alkaline soils, and can help prevent soil erosion. Additionally, the seeds of the plant are consumed by certain bird species, providing a natural food source. In traditional medicine, the leaves of the plant are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and have been used to treat skin irritations and wounds.
Light Requirements
Atriplex serenana A. Nels. var. davidsonii typically grows in full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It is fairly tolerant of low light conditions but may not flourish or produce abundant foliage without sufficient exposure to the sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well adapted to the hot, dry conditions of its native range in California, so it can tolerate high temperatures without difficulty. Cooler temperatures may slow growth and development, but it can recover quickly when the temperature rises. Atriplex serenana A. Nels. var. davidsonii can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°F but thrives best at temperatures of between 65°F and 85°F. The plant grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.
Soil Requirements
This type of plant prefers well-drained soils to avoid waterlogged and heavy textured soils. As a result, it prefers sandy loam soils that drain well and retain a high percentage of organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 8.0, meaning it can tolerate relatively alkaline soils. It tolerates soil salinity due to its adaptive ability to allocate excess sodium into cellular vacuoles which makes it an excellent plant for harsh soil environments with poor water quality.
Cultivation Methods
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii is a shrub that thrives in sunny locations and well-drained, sandy soil. When planting, ensure the spacing between plants is approximately 3 to 4 feet apart, with each hole dug to a depth of 2 feet and a width of 2 to 3 feet. The soil used to fill the hole should have well-decomposed organic matter mixed in with it.
Watering Needs
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii is a drought-tolerant plant that requires little watering. The plant should be watered deeply approximately once every two weeks. Avoid overwatering as this may lead to fungal infections. Use a drip irrigation system instead of overhead watering to prevent fungal growth on the leaves and stem.
Fertilization
Applying nitrogen fertilizers to Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii is beneficial to the plant's growth as it increases the foliage's size and enhances the plant's root system. Apply fertilizer once a year during the plant's growing season, which is usually spring and summer. Use slow-release fertilizers, as they provide sustained feeding and reduce the risk of burning the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii, as it allows for new growth, increases air circulation, and creates appealing shapes. Prune the plant in early spring to remove dead and diseased branches and to thin out the shrub. Prune back approximately a third of the plant's size to stimulate new growth. Avoid over-pruning as the plant may experience shock, resulting in stunted growth.
Propagation of Atriplex serenana A. Nels. var. davidsonii
Atriplex serenana A. Nels. var. davidsonii (Standl.) Munz, commonly known as Davidson's saltbush, can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and root cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The most common and easiest method for propagating Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii is through seeds. Collect the seeds from the parent plant during fall months, then clean and store them in a cool and dry place.
After cold stratification, which is to keep the seeds submerged in moist sand for several weeks, sow the seeds in well-draining potting mix in a small container in a warm and sunny location. Keep the container moist and within a few weeks, the seedlings will emerge.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the growing season. Choose a healthy stem, and cut a 4-6 inch piece below the node. Remove the lower leaves and plant the stem in well-draining soil mix.
Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a warm, sunny location. Within a few weeks, roots will begin to grow, and new growth will emerge from the top.
Propagation through root cuttings
Propagating Atriplex serenana var. davidsonii through root cuttings is also possible. Dig up the plant during its dormant season, and cut 1-2 inch sections of the roots. Plant the root sections in well-draining soil mix and place it in a warm, sunny location.
Water them regularly and within a few weeks, the roots will grow and new shoots will emerge from the top.
Disease Management
Atriplex serenana A. Nels. var. davidsonii is a hardy plant that can tolerate many environmental conditions, but it is still prone to some diseases. These diseases can reduce the vigor of the plant and negatively impact its growth. Below are some common diseases and their management:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, black spots on the leaves. These spots can merge and cover large areas of the leaf. The disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying with a fungicide. Preventative measures include ensuring proper plant spacing and watering from below to avoid overhead wetting of foliage.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by fungi, and it affects the roots of the plant. It causes wilting and discoloration of the leaves. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering and planting in well-draining soil. Fungicides can also help manage the disease.
Pest Management
Atriplex serenana A. Nels. var. davidsonii is generally not affected by pests, but some may still infest the plant. Below are some common pests and their management:
Aphids
Aphids are small bugs that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, it is useful to use a strong stream of water to wash them off the leaves regularly. Insecticidal soap can also help manage the pests.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to the foliage of the plant, causing it to look speckled and pale. They thrive in dry conditions, so ensuring the plant is well hydrated can help reduce the chances of infestation. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also help manage spider mites.
