Sack Saltbush

Atriplex saccaria

Physical Characteristics

Atriplex saccaria is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Utah.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Leaves were used as a boiled green by the Hopi. Expect saline/oxalate load—boil and use moderately. Edibility rating: 3/5 (serviceable potherb when well cooked) [2-3]. Parts used & preparation. Leaves: Strip young foliage; chop and boil (one or more changes of water); use like a salty spinach. Seeds: Not specifically reported in your notes; if attempted, prepare as for other Atriplex (thresh/winnow/grind, then boil) [2-3]. Leaves and young plants - cooked[161, 177] and used as greens[216, 257]. A salty flavour. 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. Hopi potherb. Harvest tips. Favor tender apical leaves; pre-boil and discard water if strongly salty/irritating [2-3].

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.