Spreading Orach, Spear saltbush

Atriplex patula

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Edible uses & rating: Leaves historically boiled (Hopi), seeds used in scarcity years. Edibility rating: 1/5. Taste & processing notes: Leaves intensely acrid; require multiple water changes; foam persists; flavor remains poor. Seeds are salty/woody/acrid. Season/harvest: Desert; summer bloom, autumn seed [2-3]. 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].

Medicinal Uses

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

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. Strong irritants—generally not recommended as food.