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Atriplex_patula - L.

Common Name Spreading Orach, Spear saltbush
Family Chenopodiaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Most reports say that no member of this genus contains any toxins and that all have more or less edible leaves. However, one report says that if very large quantities are eaten they can cause photosensitivity[70]. If plants are grown with artificial fertilizers they may concentrate harmful amounts of nitrates in their leaves.
Habitats Waste and arable land near the coast[9], it is usually found on clays and heavy ground[4].
Range Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Atriplex_patula Spreading Orach, Spear saltbush


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:UitstaandeMeldeSorinnesDSCN4516.JPG
Atriplex_patula Spreading Orach, Spear saltbush

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Atriplex_patula is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). 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, insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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 moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Young leaves - raw or cooked as a spinach substitute[5, 85, 95, 153, 183]. A fairly bland flavour, a few leaves of stronger-flavoured plants can be added to enhance the taste[9]. Seed - ground and mixed with cornmeal or used to thicken soups etc[183]. Small and very fiddly to harvest and use[9].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The seeds, harvested when just ripe, are said to be as efficacious as ipecacuanha as a laxative[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in full sun in any well-drained but not too fertile soil[200]. Prefers a rich soil. Tolerates saline and very alkaline soils[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow April/May in situ[134]. Germination is usually rapid.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Cyprus, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan), Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Russian Federation (Altay), Kazakhstan (rare), Uzbekistan, China (Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu (west)) EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Albania, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece (incl. Crete), Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain (incl. Baleares), France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Atriplex patulaSpreading Orach, Spear saltbushAnnual0.8 0-0  LMNM31 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

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Readers comment

Margaret   Thu Jul 20 2006

The red form, A. patula Rubra, looks attractive in borders and cut for salads.

David Redding   Thu Dec 31 2009

Does Atriplex patula grow in the Piedmont soil of the Atlanta, Georgia area?

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