Silvery Orach, Silverscale saltbush, Stalked saltbush

Atriplex argentea

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex argentea is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Leaves (cooked), young fruits, seeds. Edibility rating: 3/5. Taste & processing notes: Pueblo boiled leaves/young fruits alone or with other foods; also used as a salty seasoning. Northern Paiute parched/ground seeds into porridge. Flavor mild for the genus but still saline/“cheno” in tone. Season/harvest: Flowers late summer–early autumn; seeds until cold weather [2-3]. Leaves - cooked, or boiled with other foods as a flavouring[85, 105, 161, 177]. The tender young leaves can be used as greens[216, 257]. Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a meal and used as a thickener in soups etc, or be mixed with flour when making bread etc[85, 257]. The immature seeds can be eaten together with their surrounding calyx[257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

No member of this genus contains any toxins, all have more or less edible leaves. However, if grown with artificial fertilizers, they may concentrate harmful amounts of nitrates in their leaves.