Paiuteweed (Suaeda depressa) — Edible Plant

Summary

Annual or short-lived perennial reaching 16 inches. Wind-pollinated, self-fertile hermaphrodite with flowers from July to October and seed ripening August to October. Prefers light sandy and medium loamy soils in neutral to mildly alkaline pH, tolerating very alkaline and saline soils. Requires full sun and moist conditions. Handles maritime exposure well.

Description

Annual or short-lived perennial reaching 16 inches. Wind-pollinated, self-fertile hermaphrodite with flowers from July to October and seed ripening August to October. Prefers light sandy and medium loamy soils in neutral to mildly alkaline pH, tolerating very alkaline and saline soils. Requires full sun and moist conditions. Handles maritime exposure well.

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have a salty flavour. The seeds are also edible raw or cooked.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are parched and ground and eaten as a meal.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Propagation

Sow seed in spring, direct in situ.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There is some confusion over whether this name is for a plant in Eurasia or America. Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Synonyms

Lerchea calceoliformis (Hook.) KuntzeSalsola depressa PurshSchroberia calceoliformis (Hook.) Moq.Suaeda plattenensis Nutt. ex Moq.

Also Known As

Waada

References (4)

Couture, M. D., 1978, Recent and Contemporary Foraging Practices of the Harney Valley Paiute. Thesis, Portland State University
Coutre, M. D., et al, 1986, Foraging Behaviour of a Contemporary Northern Great Basin Population. Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology Vol. 8(2) pp 150-160
Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 546
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/