VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Atriplex lentiformis | Big Saltbrush 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
The twigs and foliage of big saltbrush provide forage for livestock,
mule deer, pronghorn, and many small mammals [8].  The seeds are
consumed by small mammals, and birds such as Gambel quail and
ring-necked pheasants [13].


PALATABILITY : 
In Utah, palatability of big saltbrush foliage has been rated as fair
for cattle, good for sheep, and poor for horses [8].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Atriplex spp. are known for their high productivity and quality forage
[31].  Nutritional value of big saltbrush is high; it contains almost as
much protein, fat, and carbohydrates as alfalfa hay [5,31].  Percent
nutrient values for big saltbrush are as follows:  6.11 percent water,
4.73 percent ash, 7.81 percent crude protein, 27.05 percent crude fiber,
1.99 percent fat, and 52.31 percent nitrogen-free extract [5].

Forage quality is influenced by age and phenological stage at the time
of harvest.  During the establishment years, high dry matter yields are
generally associated with lower nutritional values [31].


COVER VALUE : 
Big saltbrush grows in dense stands providing fair to good cover for
wildlife [27,29].  The degree to which this shrub provides environmental
protection during one or more seasons for wildlife species in Utah is
rated as follows [8]:

                        Pronghorn              Fair
                        Elk                    Poor
                        Mule deer              Fair
                        Small mammals          Good
                        Small nongame birds    Good
                        Upland game birds      Fair


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Big saltbrush has been used for erosion control on disturbed riparian
sites in the San Joaquin Valley and Tapo Canyon Creek, California
[19,35].  After one growing season in the San Joaquin valley, big
saltbrush survival was 88 percent.  Most surviving shrubs were healthy
and grew quickly [35].

This shrub is also used for wildlife habitat restoration.  In a Colorado
River Valley study, bird and rodent use was abundant 2 years after
planting with native species such as Fremont cottonwood (Populus
fremontii) and big saltbrush [7].  'Casa' big saltbrush, a cultivator
originating from San Bernito County, California, was utilized in 1979
for wildlife habitat plantings in California.  However, it lacks
sufficent cold hardiness to be recommended throughout the species'
range.  Nurseries produce about 15,000 plants annually [4].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Native Americans ground big saltbrush seeds for meal and for use as an
emetic.  They ground the roots and flowers to sooth ant bites [6].  This
shrub is also used as an ornamental hedge in coastal California [29].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Atriplex shrubs harbor spinach mildew and consequently should not
be planted where spinach is grown [27].

Related categories for Species: Atriplex lentiformis | Big Saltbrush