saltbush

Honey bees visit Atriplex canescens mainly to collect pollen from its inconspicuous, wind-pollinated flowers, providing a minor resource during the extended bloom period from spring through fall. Peak foraging occurs in summer in arid, saline habitats where few other plants flower. The shrub is extremely drought- and salt-tolerant, thriving in poor soils, but may accumulate toxic selenium levels in certain conditions, requiring caution in placement near grazing areas.