Atriplex nummularia – Old-man Saltbush
Atriplex nummularia – Old-man Saltbush
Habit and Habitat:
Atriplex nummularia, commonly known as Old-man Saltbush, is a hardy, grey-blue shrub native to arid and semi-arid inland regions of Australia. It naturally grows on saline soils, clay flats, and disturbed pastoral lands, where few other plants thrive. Its deep-rooted structure and high salt tolerance make it a key species for stabilising soils in dry landscapes.
Place in Local Habitat and Ecosystem Distribution:
Old-man Saltbush plays a vital role in harsh inland ecosystems, offering ground cover, reducing soil erosion, and improving soil structure. It acts as a nurse plant in degraded areas, providing shade and protection for seedlings of other species. Its wide distribution across southern and central Australia reflects its adaptability to extreme conditions.
Planting Companions:
Best paired with other dryland and salt-tolerant species such as Maireana sedifolia, Rhagodia spinescens, Eremophila longifolia, and native grasses like Austrostipa or Themeda triandra. These companions create a tough, wildlife-friendly planting palette suitable for exposed and nutrient-poor sites.
Human and Wildlife Uses:
Leaves are highly palatable to livestock and used as a fodder crop in agriculture. In home gardens, the silver foliage offers ornamental value and contrast. Aboriginal Australians have traditionally used the seeds as a food source, grinding them into flour. The dense foliage also provides shelter for small birds and insects.
Care Instructions:
Old-man Saltbush thrives in full sun and well-drained to moderately saline soils. It is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal water once established. It responds well to pruning, which encourages bushy growth and prolongs lifespan. Suitable for low-maintenance, dry gardens and large-scale revegetation or windbreak plantings.
Size, Height, Width, Flower and Leaf Characteristics:
Typically grows 2 to 3 metres tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shrub. Its thick, rounded leaves are silvery-grey to blue-green and covered in fine hairs, helping reflect sunlight and conserve moisture. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, yellow-green in colour, appearing in warm months.
Latin Etymology:
The genus Atriplex comes from the Latin name for salt-tolerant plants, while nummularia means “coin-shaped,” referring to the rounded form of its leaves.
Traditional Uses:
Aboriginal groups used the plant’s seeds for food and likely took advantage of its salty, nutritious foliage for foraging. In modern use, it is a valuable species in sustainable farming for livestock forage and soil rehabilitation.
Planting Guidelines:
Plant in a sunny, open position with well-draining soil. It handles saline, alkaline, and poor soils with ease. Regular light pruning keeps the shrub compact and attractive. Old-man Saltbush is ideal for wildlife gardens, windbreaks, dry borders, and sustainable landscapes, offering resilience, functionality, and muted beauty.
