Thickleaf Orach
Atriplex carnosafam. Chenopodiaceae
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Pl. 527E — Atriplex carnosa
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IOverview
Overview
Thickleaf Orach, scientifically known as Atriplex carnosa, is an annual plant native to regions including Wyoming, Algeria, and various European countries such as Austria and Belarus. This hardy plant thrives in light and moist soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to both sandy and medium soils. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, Thickleaf Orach is valued for its culinary use. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 0.9 meters tall in its native Wyoming habitat.
Quick answers
What is Thickleaf Orach?
Thickleaf Orach, scientifically known as Atriplex carnosa, is an annual plant native to regions including Wyoming, Algeria, and various European countries such as Austria and Belarus. This hardy plant thrives in light and moist soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
Compare with:Atriplex dimorphostegia→Atriplex subcordata→Australian Saltbush Australian saltbush→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Thickleaf Orach thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is an annual plant that grows up to 0.9 meters tall and can be propagated through seeds. This plant is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens across many climates. Provide it with light to medium soil and ensure it receives adequate water, though not too much, as it prefers dry conditions. Harvest its edible leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Thickleaf Orach for the first time
8steps
Start with Thickleaf Orach as a simple annual plant, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose well-draining soil with a pH of 7–7.5; ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart; thin seedlings to 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch lightly if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil dries out, especially in dry or windy conditions. Fertilize sparingly with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves; harvest young leaves for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Thickleaf Orach is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are typically eaten fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds can also be harvested and used for culinary purposes after proper preparation.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AustriaBelarusBelgiumFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNorwayPolandRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)JapanSouth Korea
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaEgyptMorocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Kamchatka, Kuril Is., Lebanon-Syria, Wyoming
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Chenopodiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Chenopodiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 527ee41f-0470-402a-a26d-7d8379aad6a7
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