Big Saltbush

Also known as quailbrush or lenscale, the big saltbush affords cover and shade for a number of birds and animals from doves, quail, and roadrunners to rabbits and rodents. The Cahuilla used the leaves for soap. They relieved nasal congestion by steaming and inhaling the crushed flowers, stems and leaves. To relieve head colds, they chewed fresh leaves and smoked dry leaves. From July through September, they harvested the seeds and made them into a flour which they combined with water to make mush or small cakes.