Thickleaf Orach (Atriplex lapathifolia)

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

Atriplex lapathifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. Seed - cooked. Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in soups and stews, or mixed with cereal flours to enhance their nutritional value when making bread, biscuits, cakes etc. — Young leaves - cooked.; Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in soups and stews, or mixed with cereal flours to enhance their nutritional value when making bread, biscuits, cakes etc.

Habitat & North American Range

By the coast and inland, especially on saline or alkaline soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)