Atriplex truncata
(Torr. ex S. Watson) A. Gray
Wedgescale saltbush
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(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson
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(c) Elizabeth Lockhart, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Elizabeth Lockhart
Summary
Source: WikipediaAtriplex truncata is a species of saltbush known by the common names wedgeleaf saltbush, wedgescale, and wedge orach, native to western North America from British Columbia to California and to New Mexico. It grows in montane to desert habitats with saline soils, such as dry lake beds.
Description
Compact annual herb growing to 0.5 m tall and wide, hardy to UK zone 5. Flowers appear July to September with seeds maturing August to October. Wind-pollinated with both sexes on individual plants. Tolerates light sandy and medium loamy soils with preference for good drainage and poor fertility. Grows in mildly acid to very alkaline and saline soils in full sun only, handling both dry and moist conditions with drought tolerance.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Seed 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. 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
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.
Propagation
Propagation. By seed; shallow sow; fall or spring; optional 12–24 h soak.
Other Uses
Fodder A good fodder crop. Special Uses Carbon Farming
Notes
There are about 100-300 Atriplex species. They have also been put in the family Chenopodiaceae.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 8:398. 1873
