Shadscale
Atriplex confertifolia
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 30-90 cm tall. It is spiny and has rigid branches. The seeds are in yellow clusters.
There are about 100-300 Atriplex species. They have also been put in the family Chenopodiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in sandy well-drained soil.
Countries/locations it is found in
Mexico, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds are ground into a meal that is used for bread or porridge. The water in which the leaves are boiled is used for corn pudding.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Spiny saltbush
Synonyms
Atriplex collina Wooton & Standl.; Atriplex jonesii Standl.; Atriplex subconferta Rydb.; and others