Quail Bush, Big saltbush, Quailbush,

Atriplex lentiformis

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex lentiformis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 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 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

South-western N. America - California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Edible uses & rating: Seeds (after 2 changes of boiling water), leaves poor. Edibility rating: 2/5. Taste & processing notes: Utricles papery and easy to crush, but chaff includes stem shards; bugs often perforate seeds—cook. Raw seeds extremely bitter/alkaline/musty; after thorough boiling become passable. Season/harvest: Seeds late autumn–winter along desert watercourses [2-3]. Leaves and young shoots - cooked[171]. Seed - cooked[161, 177]. It can be used as a piñole or be ground into a meal and used as a porridge, a thickener in soups or added to flour for making bread[257]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to use[257].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany Poultice The fresh leaves can be chewed, or the dried leaves smoked, in the treatment of head colds[257]. The crushed flowers, stems and leaves can be steamed and inhaled to treat nasal congestion[257]. A poultice of the powdered roots has been applied to sores[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.