Overview

Atriplex nummularia is a annuals, perennials, shrubs, sub-shrubs annual biennial in the genus Atriplex, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with simple, often silvery foliage. It typically grows around 3.5 m tall. Atriplex nummularia grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental and edible leaves. It is native to New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

About

Atriplex nummularia is a saltbush in the Amaranthaceae that typically forms a shrub to around 3.5 m, notable for its simple, often silvery foliage. It is native to mainland Australia, occurring in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. Plants flower in the UK from July to September. The leaves are edible and the species is used both ornamentally and for harvest.

About the genus

Atriplex is a plant genus of about 250 species, known by the common names of saltbush and orache. It belongs to the subfamily Chenopodioideae of the family Amaranthaceae s.l.. The genus is quite variable and widely distributed.

Wikipedia contributors, "Atriplex", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Atriplex

In the garden

Atriplex nummularia is a large saltbush in the Amaranthaceae, native to New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. In its home range it tolerates dry conditions and salt-affected soils, and in cultivation it is valued for its simple, often silvery leaves and substantial stature of about 3.5 m. Give Atriplex nummularia full sun on a south-facing, sheltered site. It prefers neutral, sandy or loamy soils that are well drained or at least moist but well drained; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The plant carries an H5 hardiness rating, which in plain terms means it is considered hardy for much of the UK when sited in a protected spot. Expect flowering in the UK from July to September. Placed where it can receive bright, dry air and some shelter from driving winds, Atriplex nummularia works as an architectural shrub or specimen with ornamental value from its silvery foliage. Its leaves may also be harvested for use, so allow enough mature growth before taking foliage. Maintain a protected, sunny aspect to help the plant reach its full height and leaf production.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Atriplex

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Atriplex nummularia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Annual Biennial

Habit

Annuals, perennials, shrubs, sub-shrubs

Foliage

Simple, often silvery

Height

3.5 m

Suggested uses

Ornamental, edible leaves

Native to

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Atriplex nummularia

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

Good

Disease resistance

Good

Frequently asked questions