Staminate inflorescences of solitary, terminal, subglobose glomerules. Fruiting bracteole 3-veined, 2.5-3.5 × 2.4-3.7 mm.

Flowering spring-fall. Bluffs, alkaline sinks and drainages; 10-500 m; Calif.

L. Abrams and R. S. Ferris (1923-1960, vol. 2) maintained this taxon at the specific level; however, apart from the more apparently veined fruiting bracteoles and reduced staminate inflorescence, var. davidsonii is otherwise identical to var. serenana. It is often found growing with seepweed, samphire, numerous salt-tolerant annuals, other saltbush species.