Atriplex prostrata DC.
Fat-hen
Spear-leaved orache is a native annual whose natural home is the coast, where it grows on the upper levels of saltmarshes and on sand and shingle beaches; it has also spread inland onto field margins, waste ground and other disturbed soils. The plant is variable, sometimes erect and sometimes sprawling, well branched, and can reach about 90cm.
About
Spear-leaved orache is a native annual whose natural home is the coast, where it grows on the upper levels of saltmarshes and on sand and shingle beaches; it has also spread inland onto field margins, waste ground and other disturbed soils. The plant is variable, sometimes erect and sometimes sprawling, well branched, and can reach about 90cm. Its lower leaves are distinctively triangular or halberd-shaped (hastate), with the basal lobes spreading outwards, and the foliage is often mealy. As a facultative halophyte it tolerates salt but does not depend on it.
The small, green, petal-less flowers appear from July to September in slender, branching spikes, wind-pollinated and inconspicuous. It is a pioneer of bare, fertile and often saline ground rather than a showy meadow plant, but it has a place in coastal and saltmarsh restoration, and the young leaves are edible, used much like spinach. Expect it to self-seed freely where soil is open.
Also known as
Halberd-Leaved Orache · Halberd-leaf Orache · Hastate Orache · Hastate Orache,spear-leaved Orache · Spear-leaved Orache
Synonyms
Atriplex halimioides · Atriplex hastata boucheri · Atriplex hastata depressa · Atriplex hastata macrotheca · Atriplex hastata salinum · Atriplex spinaciaefolia
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.