Atriplex argentea expansa - (S.Watson.)Hall.&Clem.

(S.Watson.)Hall.&Clem.

Silverscale Saltbush

Amaranthaceae Edible: Leaves, Seed Potential hazards — see below

gbif· cc-by-nc

jurassicplut0n

gbif· cc-by-nc

jurassicplut0n

gbif· cc-by-nc

jurassicplut0n

Description

Atriplex argentea expansa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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 moist soil.

Edible Uses

Condiment. Leaves - cooked, or boiled with other foods as a flavouring. The water that the leaves have been cooked in can also be used as a flavouring. Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a meal and used as a thickener in soups etc, or be mixed with flour when making bread etc.

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

South-western N. America.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

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.