Atriplex fruticulosa is a species of saltbush known by the common names ball saltbush and little oak orach. It is endemic to California, where it grows in several types of habitat, usually in areas of saline or alkaline soils. This is a perennial herb producing an erect stem which branches in the upper half and reaches a maximum height near 50 centimeters. The gray scaly leaves are lance-shaped to narrowly oval and less than 2 centimeters in length.