[4][5] The species is also known to be present in the Waimea inlet in New Zealand, although has historically been found in Boulder Bank, D'Urville Island, and Palliser Bay.

[9] Atriplex cinerea is a prostrate to erect, heavily branched, leafy shrub growing up to 1.8m high and up to 2.5 m wide.

[13] It is highly tolerant of salt (being a halophyte) and when compared to other coastal species, e.g. Banksia integrifolia, Leptospermum laevigatum, Melaleuca lanceolata, this plant is often located closest to the sea, in the harshest of conditions.

Survival in this environment is possible due to numerous adaptations, including epidermal bladder cells that can sequester the salt from vascular tissue/their interior,[14] and C4 photosynthesis, present in many species of the genus Atriplex.

The natural range and density of this species has decreased as major cities (Melbourne/Sydney/Adelaide) and subsequent suburbs have expanded along the coast of Australia.

The study concluded that "A. cinerea has always been scarce, its ability to successfully establish here has been hindered by its dioecious habit... its scarcity within New Zealand is primarily a natural rather than induced phenomenon.

The genus Atriplex is particularly useful in dryland salinity management where they can change the water table and surface soil characteristics allowing for other plants to then colonise.

A study on Atriplex nummularia discovered the species have a nitrogen content of 2.5-3.5%, and could potentially be used as a protein supplement for grazing if palatable.

[20] A subsequent study allowed sheep and goats to voluntarily feed on Atriplex halimus and aimed to determine if the saltbush was palatable, and if so, did it provide enough nutrients to supplement the diet of these animals.

[21] In this study they determined when goats and sheep are given as much A. halimus as they like, they do obtain enough nutrients to supplement their diet – unless the animal requirements are higher during pregnancy and milk production.

It is presumed A. cinerea, would have similar biochemical properties to A. hamilus and A. nummularia as they are all closely related to one another (see cladogram of divergences in Atriplex), hence also having the potential to be used in agriculture.