| Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) This native plant grows throughout New Mexico.The irregularly and densely branched, sometimes spiny shrub has grey-green, narrow, canoe-shaped, evergreen leaves.
In late summer its tiny, light yellow, densely clustered, female flowers produce large numbers of conspicuous four-winged, light green, papery bracts. Each of these bracts surrounds a tiny seed. The bracts dry to a pale brown. Male flowers are on separate plants.
Shrubby branches provide shade and shelter for birds, mice and other small animals.
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