Maireana astrotricha, the low bluebush (a name it shares with Maireana planifolia), is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae, native to a southern portion of the Northern Territory, central South Australia, western New South Wales, and adjacent parts of Queensland.

[2] The perianth is densely tomentose on the outside, with short lobes and a radial split extending to the corolla tube.

[3] M. sedifolia can be distinguished from M. astrotricha by its simple hairs, stalkless leaves and paired flowers.

[3] The Australian species of Chenopodiaceae (now tribe Camphorosmeae of Amaranthaceae) within Kochia were subsequently recognised to have multiple morphologically distinct characters and were transferred to Maireana.

[2] Within western NSW from the Murray to the Queensland border it gradually replaces pearl bluebush (M. sedifolia), becoming more frequent in the north.

[3] Bluebush communities can occur in a terrain from level to gently undulating plains or dunes.

[10] Bluebush (Maireana) are slow growing with deep tap roots and extremely drought tolerant.

[3] However bluebush (Maireana) flowering is sparing, irregular and has been observed throughout the year, usually following rainfall events.

[7] Saltbush and bluebush (Maireana) are highly regarded as reserve forage for stock as they offer more protein and digestability than dry herbaceous species.