Shadscale, Shadscale saltbush

Atriplex confertifolia

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex confertifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, 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.

Distribution

Western N. America

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Edible uses & rating: Leaves (cooked, still somewhat irritating), seeds (best part but tough to free from husks). Edibility rating: 3/5. Taste & processing notes: Fresh leaves cause mouth/throat burn (oxalates/saponins); cooking reduces but doesn’t eliminate. Seeds tiny; husks thick. “Least-ineffective” method: break/burn wings - boil in husks - chew out or mash/boil/filter to make a yellow starchy broth. Season/harvest: Fruits from mid-summer; mature in autumn [2-3]. Leaves - cooked[105, 177] and used as greens[216, 257]. The water in which the leaves is cooked is used in making corn pudding[161, 183]. Seed - used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread[95, 105. 161, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Epilepsy Poultice The plant has been burnt and the smoke inhaled as a treatment for epilepsy[257]. The boiled leaves have been used as a liniment for sore muscles and aches[257]. A poultice of the mashed leaves have been applied to the chest and a decoction of the leaves drunk to treat colds[257].

Known Hazards

Irritant foliage; seed processing laborious—protect eyes/lungs while winnowing. 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.