Spear saltbush facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spear saltbush
Scientific classification
Genus:	Atriplex
Species:	patula

Atriplex patula, female flower with bracteoles and seed

Atriplex patula (spear saltbush; common orache; spear orach; spreading orach;) is a ruderal, circumboreal species of annual herbaceous plants in the genus Atriplex naturalized in many temperate regions. Atriplex patula is a member of the family Chenopodiaceae.

Although it is commonly asserted that Atriplex patula has been naturalized in North America only since the eighteenth century, seeds ascribed to this species occur on the west coast of North America in buried marsh deposits that predate European contact.,

Description

Atriplex patula commonly grows along roads and waste sites. It has a wide range, including semi-arid deserts and coastal areas in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa. It grows to be between 50 and 80 cm tall. The branches extend outwards from the stem with rhomboid leaves and separated clusters of flowers. Atriplex patula accumulates salt from the environment in its tissues. Unlike other Atriplex species, A. patula does not have notable salt bladders to excrete salt onto the leaves.

Uses

Atriplex patula has been proven to be effective in lowering salt content in soils when planted in areas with high road salt contamination.

See also

In Spanish: Atriplex patula para niños