ABSTRACT 



Chenopod shrubs as a group constitute a significant segment 

 of the Intermountain area's vast shrub lands. In alkaline areas, 

 they are the principal component of the vegetation. They are 

 producers of forage, they provide cover and, most importantly, 

 they stabilize xeric, mineral soils where few other plants are 

 adapted. General characteristics — vegetative, floral, reproduc- 

 tive, hybridization, distribution and habitat, and use — are de- 

 scribed and i-e\iewed for Atriplex canescens, A. confertifolia , 

 A. corrugata , A. cuneata , A. gardneri, A. obovata , Ceratoldes 

 lanata , Grayia brandegei, G. spinosa, Kochia americana subsp. 

 vestita , K. prostrata , and Sarcobatus vermiculatus. Artificial 

 hybridization studies indicate considerable interspecific gene 

 exchange and at least some intergeneric hybridization are possi- 

 ble. A taxonomickey covering each taxon discussed is provided. 



