Salt Tolerant Shrubs for Sale

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What Are Salt Tolerant Shrubs? Shrubs and bushes that can tolerate higher than normal salt levels, like that found near beaches or in areas where road salt use is common, are called halophytes. These plants can tolerate levels of salt that would cause a salt burn or death to other plants. Low Salt tolerance vs. High Salt Tolerance Some plants are more tolerant of salt than others, and the exposure method may make a difference. Even two plants of the same type can have a different salt tolerance, depending on on-site factors and plant health. How Much Salt Can Plants You Bought Tolerate? Plants are injured by road salt and sea salt in several different ways. As a spray, salt can be deposited on leaves and cause drying of the buds, leaves, needles, or twigs. Often called salt burn, this damage is usually compounded by cold winter winds. Damage frequently shows up as browning foliage or dead twigs on the road or sidewalk side of the tree or shrub. Salt can also be taken up through the roots when the plant absorbs water. Chloride ions can be taken up into the leaves, where they interfere with photosynthesis and can accumulate to toxic levels. Obviously, the saltier the planting site, the fewer plants will be able to adapt to these harsher conditions. Road Salt Tolerant vs. for Beach Landscaping While road salt, commonly called rock salt, and sea salt may seem different, they are both made up of the same primary sodium chloride molecule. Salt used for deicing roads often has other chemicals added to prevent caking and clumping. Salt from roads can be sprayed up to 100 feet from the road surface by passing traffic. It can be deposited on foliage and soil in heavy quantities that may build over time. Sea salt is often carried inland by the wind after seawater is churned by wave action. You may have smelled the ‘salt air’ if you’ve been near the beach. That characteristic scent is not only the sea salt but also the result of the microorganisms that live and die in the seawa