Powell's Saltweed
Atriplex powellii

Family: Chenopodiaceae

What it is like

Atriplex powellii is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Alkaline flats and badlands, Montana to S. Alberta, south to Arizona and New Mexico. 1500 - 1800 metres in Arizona, often on denuded land.

Central and western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and young plants - cooked and used as greens. A salty flavour, they are often used as a flavouring for other foods. Seed - cooked. Used in piñole or ground into a meal and used as a thickener in making bread or mixed with flour in making bread.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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. Requires a position in full sun in any well-drained but not too fertile soil. Tolerates saline and very alkaline soils. Although normally dioecious, occasional plants are dioecious.

Propagating it: Seed - sow April/May in situ. Germination is usually rapid.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. philonitra.