Skip to Content

What is Desert Holly (Atriplex hymenelytra)

What is Desert Holly

What is Desert Holly

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Desert Holly

Atriplex hymenelytra

One of the very large family of plants commonly known as “salt bushes,” this subspecies was so often picked for Christmas decorations that it is not officially protected in Nevada.

Other saltbush varieties produce large quantities of seeds very important to the diets of wildlife and desert Indians.

Silvery, holly-like leaves, somewhat leathery to the touch, identify this plant, an indicator of gypsum soils. (Click here to read our article What is Gypsum.)

What is Desert Holly