Atriplex polycarpa ( ) ( )

Chenopodiaceae

• Allscale is widespread throughout the California desert regions in mildly alkaline flats and playa depressions, often forming the outer-ring of saltbush scrub stands around playas. Unlike the more cold-tolerant shadscale, it does not occur at elevations above 5,000 feet. Alllscale is a good-sized shrub, often reaching 4-6 feet in height, with small and narrowly oblong leaves with a short petiole. Because of its palatability to cattle, it is sometimes called cattle spinach. Although often present in mixed Atriplex stands, allscale may also be found in relatively pure stands. An interesting characteristic of allscale is it has been shown to change from male to female or back in a given flowering year depending on resource availability.  "California Desert Plants, Philip W Rundel, Robert J Gustafson, Michael E Kauffmann."
• Shampoo was made of the leafy twigs of desert saltbush. This common desert shrub extends over a wide range of arid habitats throughout the region, including Tiburon and San Esteban Islands. It occurs on rocky slopes, desert flats, arroyos, and dunes. The wood is fairly hard. Firewood: it was used as kindling, for firing pottery, and for scorching the bark of Jatropha cuneata stems in preparation for basketmaking. Hair Care and Washing: the leaves and twigs were mashed and added to water, and the solution used as shampoo or for washing clothes. Shelter: the leafy branches were used in the roofing of the brush house. The Supernatural: to stop rain, a fire of this wood was built against a Sahuaro. It was stated that one must have faith i the act if the rain was to stop. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians. Richard Stephen Felger and Mary Beck Moser".