Bractscale, Davidson's bractscale

Atriplex serenana

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex serenana is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Edibility (summary & rating). Leaves used as a potherb by the Kawaiisu. Expect a salty or bitter taste; boil to tame it. Edibility rating: 3/5 (workable boiled green in small portions). Parts used & preparation. Leaves: Harvest tender growth; boil (one or more water changes if very salty); use as a side green. Seeds: Not documented in your notes; treat as with other Atriplex if attempted. Leaves and young plants - cooked. They are usually boiled with other foods as a salty flavouring[161, 177, 257]. Seed - cooked. Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread, or mixed with flour in making bread. Traditional uses. Kawaiisu boiled greens. Harvest tips. Favor pre-flowering leaves; if strongly briny, blanch and refresh in clean water before final cooking.

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.