Wheelscale Saltbush

Atriplex elegans

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex elegans is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California to Texas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Edible uses & rating: Leaves (fresh in small amounts or better cooked), seeds likely edible (not emphasized). Edibility rating: 3/5. Taste & processing notes: Leaves of any age are mild for the genus; trace bitterness but not harsh/salty. Makes an excellent potherb; strip leaves quickly from stems. Season/harvest: Blooms spring–autumn; gather greens young [2-3]. Leaves - cooked. They are boiled as a salty flavouring with other foods[161, 257]. Seed - used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in soups and stews, or mixed with cereal flours to enhance their nutritional value when making bread, biscuits, cakes etc. The seeds are about 1 - 1.5mm wide[270].

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.