Thickleaf Orach
IOverview
Overview
Thickleaf Orach, scientifically known as Atriplex carnosa, is an annual plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. Native to Wyoming and various European countries such as Austria and Belarus, this plant is adaptable to light and moist soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, thriving in both sandy and medium soils. Thickleaf Orach is valued for its edible leaves and seeds, which can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The leaves and seeds can also be harvested and prepared for culinary use. This plant grows up to 0.9 meters tall in its native Wyoming habitat, where it can be found in dry and moist conditions. Thickleaf Orach is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens across many climates. While not medicinal, it is an important edible and ornamental plant, contributing to local ecosystems and providing sustenance. Its distinctive green flowers and ability to grow in a variety of soil types make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.
What is Thickleaf Orach?
Thickleaf Orach, scientifically known as Atriplex carnosa, is an annual plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. Native to Wyoming and various European countries such as Austria and Belarus, this plant is adaptable to light and moist soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
VCultivation
Cultivation
How to grow Thickleaf Orach for the first time
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
VIIDistribution
43 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
43 native · 23 introducedIXSpecimen 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.
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