California Orach (Atriplex californica)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Atriplex californica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August, 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole. The seeds are 1 - 2mm in diameter. — Used as a piñole.; The seeds are 1 - 2mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Sea bluffs, sandy coasts, crevices in sea cliffs, coastal strands, edges of coastal salt marsh, coastal sage scrub from sea level to 50 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)