Grey Sage Brush, Fourwing saltbush

Atriplex canescens

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex canescens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1.8 m (6ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Central and southwestern N. America - South Dakota to Kansas, Texas, California and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Colouring Drink Edible uses & rating: Leaves (only cooked; in moderation), flowers (as seasoning in small amounts), seeds (technically edible but extraction is difficult). Edibility rating: 3/5. Taste & processing notes: Cooked leaves ˜ “canned spinach rolled in salt,” throat-irritating liquor—discard. Fruits smell/taste woody-grainy with odd rubber/medical overtone; husks tough/fibrous; seed isolation problematic; raw fruits unpleasant and poky. Season/harvest: 4-winged fruits mature late autumn [2-3]. Leaves - cooked or raw[85, 94. A very acceptable taste with a salty tang[K]. The leaves can be used at any time of the year though winter harvesting must be light because the plant is not growing much at this time of year[K]. Seed - cooked[46, 61]. Ground into a powder, mixed with cereals and used in making cakes etc or used as a piñole[94, 95, 183]. It is small and very fiddly to utilize[K]. The ground up seed can also be mixed with water and drunk as a refreshing beverage[183]. The burnt green herb yields culinary ashes high in minerals and these are used by the Hopi Indians to enhance the colour of blue corn products[183, 257]. The ashes can be used like baking soda[257].

Medicinal Uses

Skin Stings The leaves can be made into a soapy lather and used as a wash on itches and rashes such as chickenpox[257]. A poultice of the crushed leaves can be applied to ant bites to reduce the pain and swelling[257].

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.