Translate this page:

Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Chenopodiaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Amaranthaceae. Wedgeleaf saltbush or saltweed is an annual herb native to California, growing to 0.9m in cold to warm temperate climates. The leaves and young plants are cooked and have a salty flavour. The seed is prepared and used in piñole, an ancient grain originating with the Aztecs, or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread. Other Atriplex species are recommended for human consumption, and Atriplex truncata as a fodder crop. Leaves are available all year.

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex_truncata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Obione truncata.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Edibility (summary & rating). Seeds gathered and eaten by the Goshiute. Leaves not highlighted here; if used, boil. Edibility rating: 3/5 (seed resource; modest flavor). Parts used & preparation. Seeds (utricles): Collect dry heads; thresh/winnow; grind; cook as mush or add to breads. Leaves: If tried, use as small boiled greens [2-3]. Leaves and young plants - cooked. A salty flavour. Seed - cooked[161, 177, 257]. Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread.

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

Other Uses

A good fodder crop.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Herbaceous, native saltbush of the Intermountain Region (UT/NV and surrounds). Named for wedge-shaped bracts around the fruit. Season & phenology. Blooms summer–autumn; seed when dry and tan. Identification notes. Small, scurfy herb with diagnostic truncated/wedge-like bractlets enclosing the utricles. Habitat & distribution. Playas, alkali flats, desert benches of the Great Basin/Intermountain West. Growing conditions & cultivation. Full sun; high pH, saline, droughty soils; low fertility. Hardiness. Annual/short-lived reseeder; effectively USDA 4–9. Size & habit. 10–50 cm, upright tufts. Weed potential. Low. Niche specialist. Lookalikes & cautions. Other small Atriplex; same oxalate/nitrate cautions. Traditional uses. Goshiute seed food. Harvest tips. Winnow in a light, steady breeze; grind to reduce husk texture; if alkaline/harsh, pre-boil.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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

Celsius Fahrenheit:

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).

Shop Now

Plant Propagation

Propagation. By seed; shallow sow; fall or spring; optional 12–24 h soak.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Wedgeleaf saltbush or saltweed

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia (south)), United States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming, California, Nevada, 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. Niche specialist.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Atriplex truncata	Wedgescale Saltbush	Annual	0.5	4-9		LM	N	DM	3	0	4

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.

Now available: Food Forest Plants for Mediterranean Conditions 350+ Perennial Plants For Mediterranean and Drier Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens. [Paperback and eBook]

This is the third in Plants For A Future's series of plant guides for food forests tailored to specific climate zones. Following volumes on temperate and tropical ecosystems, this book focuses on species suited to Mediterranean conditionsâ€”regions with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, often facing the added challenge of climate change.

Atriplex_truncata - (Torr.)A.Gray.