Botanical Name
Atriplex nummularia
Common Name
Old Man Saltbush
Description
Old Man Saltbush is an exceptionally hardy native shrub renowned for its outstanding drought and salt tolerance. This robust plant features distinctive silvery-grey rounded leaves that create attractive textural contrast in challenging garden conditions. Extremely adaptable, it thrives in poor soils, coastal environments, and areas with minimal water availability where other plants struggle. The dense branching habit provides excellent screening and erosion control, while the small inconspicuous flowers attract beneficial insects. Perfect for water-wise gardens, coastal plantings, and rehabilitation projects, this tough shrub requires minimal maintenance once established.
Plant Category
Medium Shrubs
Size (H x W)
Height: 1-3 meters, Spread: 2-4 meters
Atriplex nummularia naturally occurs in arid and semi-arid regions across inland Australia, thriving in alkaline soils with excellent salt tolerance and extreme drought conditions.
Cultural SIgnificance
Traditionally used by Aboriginal peoples as a food source, with the leaves being eaten raw or cooked, and as fodder for livestock by early European settlers.
Kuranga respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people, as the custodians of this land. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region.
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