Bractscale (Atriplex serenana)

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

Atriplex serenana is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). 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 September. 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

flavouring. — Leaves and young plants - cooked.; They are usually boiled with other foods as a salty flavouring.; Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread.

Habitat & North American Range

Alkaline valleys, marshy areas, valley grasslands, coastal sage scrub, sometimes as a ruderal weed at elevations of 70 - 1300 metres. (Zone 8)