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Atriplex obovata - Moq.

Common Name Mound Saltbrush
Family Chenopodiaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
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. The seed contains saponins[240]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisable to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Habitats Colorado Plateau, pinyon-juniper zones and valleys.
Range Arizona to SW. Colorado and NE. Mexico.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Atriplex obovata Mound Saltbrush


Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication
Atriplex obovata Mound Saltbrush
Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication

 

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Summary

Small native shrub of the Four Corners; leaves historically boiled as greens.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Atriplex obovata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Wind.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Homotypic Synonyms: Obione obovata (Moq.) Ulbr.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible uses & rating: Leaves (cooked), possibly seeds. Edibility rating: 2–3/5. Taste & processing notes: Typical salty/“cheno” flavor reduced by boiling; use broth cautiously or discard. Season/harvest: Late summer–autumn bloom/seed set [2-3]. Cautions: Oxalates—limit servings; always cook.

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.


None Known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wildlife/ecology: Browse for wildlife; seed for birds. Useful for erosion control in alkaline sites; low water landscape.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

A subshrub or shrub growing primarily in the temperate biome. Growing conditions: Full sun; arid, alkaline loams/clays; very drought-tolerant. Hardiness: ~USDA 5–9. Habitat & range: Colorado Plateau, pinyon-juniper zones and valleys. Size & habit: 0.3–1 m rounded mound. Cultivation: Useful for erosion control in alkaline sites; low-water landscape. Weed potential: Low. Atriplex obovata (mound / Navajo saltbush). Flowers are inconspicuous, often unisexual, with no showy petals and lots of exposed anthers—textbook for the genus. Primarily wind-pollinated, with pollen shed into open air and caught by feathery stigmas. Insects may be present but are incidental.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed (fall sow), or cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Mound Saltbrush, Navajo Saltbrush, Mound Saltbush, Navajo Saltbush.

Native Range

Arizona, Colorado, Mexico Northeast, New Mexico, Texas, Utah.

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.

Low

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not available

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Atriplex argenteaSilvery Orach, Silverscale saltbush, Stalked saltbushAnnual0.5 4-9  LMNM322
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Atriplex littoralisGrassleaf oracheBiennial0.7 4-11 FLMHNDM200
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Atriplex nuttalliiNuttall's SaltbushShrub0.9 5-9 MLMNDM402
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Atriplex polycarpaCattle spinachShrub1.0 8-10 MLMNDM104
Atriplex powelliiPowell's SaltweedAnnual0.7 4-9  LMNDM302
Atriplex roseaTumbling or redscale saltweedAnnual0.6 3-10 FLMNDM222
Atriplex saccariaSack SaltbushAnnual0.3 5-9  LMNDM300
Atriplex semibaccataAustralian Saltbush. Australian saltbush, Creeping saltbushShrub0.5 8-11 FLMHNDM303
Atriplex serenanaBractscale, Davidson's bractscaleAnnual3.0 8-11  LMNDM300
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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.

 

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