Family: Amaranthaceae

Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush) is a fast-growing shrub native to Australia. It is commonly planted for erosion control, soil stabilization, and as forage for livestock due to its high salt tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils. The plant has silvery-green leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by tiny fruits. Its adaptability to harsh conditions makes it popular in landscapes and restoration projects in dry, coastal, and disturbed areas.

Atriplex semibaccata is now naturalized on all the main Hawaiian Islands and is considered a high-risk species. It spreads aggressively, displacing native plants and altering natural ecosystems. The plant’s dense growth habit and prolific seed production allow it to establish quickly, making management difficult once established. Because of these traits, it is not recommended for cultivation in Hawaii, and caution is advised to prevent further spread.

High Risk Traits:

• Widely naturalized
  
• An environmental weed that can exclude native vegetation
  
• Related Atriplex species have become invasive
  
• Toxic to cattle and other animals
  
• Sap can cause dermatitis and may be poisonous if ingested
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Can from dense monocultures that exclude other vegetation
  
• Produces abundant seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by water, mud, soil movement, human activities, and animals including birds
  
• Can resprout from roots

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Fodder plant palatable to many animals
  
• Requires full sun
  
• Not known to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control