Historical records indicate sea-bluff habitat is preferred.
Coulter's Saltbush has always been quite rare in San Diego County. Herbarium specimens examined were for Otay Mesa, Silver Strand, Balboa Park, the historical Santa Margarita Ranch House, and on the San Onofre Bluffs. It is apparently quite rare in Orange County where reported by Roberts, and on coastal bluffs near Point Dume in Los Angeles County where reported by Raven. All mainland populations should be protected with adequate buffers included. A current review is needed of historical collections to include site re-visits, in conjunction with a focused investigation of additional potential sites, to more accurately assess the status of this species.