Atriplex coronata

S. Watson

Crownscale

Amaranthaceae Edible: Leaves, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 68 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Atriplex coronata is a species of saltbush known by the common name crownscale. It is endemic to California.

Description

Atriplex coronata is an annual reaching 0.4 m tall. It flowers from July to September with seeds ripening August through October. The plant is monoecious with both male and female flowers on individual plants, pollinated by wind. It prefers light sandy to medium loamy, well-drained soils and tolerates poor fertility. Adaptable to mildly acidic through basic soils, including very alkaline and saline conditions. Full sun is required; drought and moist soils are both tolerated.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked. They are boiled as a salty flavouring with other foods. Seed - used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread.

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.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though it should be possible to grow it as a spring-sown annual. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in full sun in any well-drained but not too fertile soil. Most species in this genus tolerate saline and very alkaline soils.