Spiny Hopsage
Grayia spinosa (Atriplex grayii)
Family:
Amaranth (Amaranthaceae)
AKA:
Gray's Saltbush, Spiny Sage
Photo taken on:
October 18, 2012
Location:
Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, NM
Life Zones:
Plains to foothills
Habitat:
Dry, sandy, rocky areas
Grows as a rounded brambly shrub to 3 ft across and high with spiny, grayish branches. Leaves are slightly fleshy and oval-shaped.
What appears to be clusters of pink flowers are the bracts of the female flower; the actual flowers are tiny.
Related to and similar to Fourwing Saltbush.
Photo taken on:
October 18, 2012
Location:
Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, NM
Flora of North America reference.