Fourwing Saltbush, Wedgeleaf Saltbush, Truncate Orach, Truncate Saltbush
Atriplex truncata
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Fourwing Saltbush provides excellent forage for livestock and wildlife. The seeds are edible and can be ground into flour, though they have a salty taste. Young leaves can be cooked and eaten as a pot herb. It is a valuable plant for erosion control and soil stabilization, particularly in saline or alkaline soils. It can also be used as a windbreak. There are no readily available cultivars.
Permapeople description
Atriplex truncata, also known as spear saltbush, is a species of saltbush native to North America. It is an annual plant that grows in disturbed areas.
Botanical description
Atriplex truncata is a monoecious annual or short-lived perennial shrub in the Amaranthaceae family. It typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall. The stems are erect or ascending, branching from the base. The leaves are alternate, wedge-shaped to truncate, and grayish-green in color, often covered in a scaly coating. Flowers are inconspicuous, borne in axillary clusters. The fruit is a flattened, winged structure containing a single seed. It is native to western North America and is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments with saline or alkaline soils.
Companion planting
Atriplex truncata is a pioneer species and can improve soil conditions for other plants. It grows well alongside other salt-tolerant plants such as grasses and forbs. It may compete with less drought-tolerant plants for water resources.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily by seed. Seeds should be scarified to improve germination rates. Direct sowing in the fall or spring is possible. Cuttings are not a common method of propagation.
History and traditions
Native American tribes traditionally used Atriplex species for food and medicine. The seeds and leaves were consumed, and the plant was sometimes used to create a saline solution for medicinal purposes. It has long been recognized for its ability to thrive in harsh, salty environments, making it a valuable resource in areas where other plants struggle.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs from June to September. Seed harvest is typically from August to October. Planting is best done in the fall or early spring. Pruning is not typically necessary, but light trimming can be done to maintain shape.