​Shadscale, Saltbush, Sheepfat, Spiny Saltbush,Atriplex confertifolia,Amaranth Family (Amaranthaceae)

Found on dry, open, hot hillsides
Seen blooming in April in Plaza Blanca

Shadscale is a dense, spiny, rounded shrub growing to 2½ feet with small, oval leaves, and is easily overlooked. The leaves are covered in a scale which makes them appear silvery. Its tiny yellow flowers are inconspicuous, the pink or purplish bracts are more noticeable. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate saline soils. Traditionally, seeds were used as a grain and leaves were boiled and mixed with cornmeal to make a pudding. Wood was used to make arrow points. The plant was burned and the smoke inhaled as a treatment for epilepsy, leaves used to make a liniment for sore muscles and aches, a poultice of the mashed leaves was applied to the chest and a decoction of the leaves drunk to treat colds. The plant was also rubbed on horses to repel gnats. Source.

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