Mallee Saltbush: A Non-Native Shrub for Specialized Gardens
If you’ve stumbled across the name mallee saltbush in your plant research, you’ve discovered one of the lesser-known members of the saltbush family. Atriplex stipitata, also known as kidney saltbush, is a compact shrub that has found its way into California’s landscape, though it’s not originally from North America.
What Is Mallee Saltbush?
Mallee saltbush is a perennial shrub that stays refreshingly compact in the garden. This low-growing plant typically maxes out at just 1.5 feet tall, though it can occasionally reach up to 3 feet at maturity. Its modest stature makes it quite different from some of its more robust saltbush cousins.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, mallee saltbush can be found growing in California, where it has established itself as a non-native species. While it’s not originally from North America, it has managed to reproduce and persist in the wild without human intervention.
Should You Plant Mallee Saltbush?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky for the conscientious gardener. While mallee saltbush isn’t classified as invasive or noxious, it is a non-native species. This means that while it won’t necessarily cause ecological havoc, it also won’t provide the same benefits to local wildlife and ecosystems that native plants offer.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing saltbush in your garden, consider these fantastic native alternatives that will better support your local ecosystem:
- Four O’Clock Saltbush (Atriplex elegans) – A California native annual
- Big Saltbush (Atriplex lentiformis) – A robust native shrub perfect for larger spaces
- Shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) – Great for arid western gardens
- Desert Saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa) – Excellent for desert landscaping
The Bottom Line
While mallee saltbush isn’t a troublemaker in the garden, there’s limited information available about its specific growing requirements, wildlife benefits, and overall garden performance. Given its non-native status and the wealth of beautiful native saltbush options available, most gardeners would be better served by choosing a locally native species.
Native saltbushes offer proven benefits for local wildlife, are adapted to regional growing conditions, and contribute to the ecological health of your garden. Plus, you’ll find much more detailed growing information and support for native species from local extension services and native plant societies.
If you’re set on growing mallee saltbush, be sure to source it responsibly and monitor its behavior in your garden. But honestly? Your local birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects will thank you much more if you choose a native alternative instead.
