Quail Bush
Atriplex lentiformis
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Pl. 18FA — Atriplex lentiformis
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IOverview
Overview
Quail Bush (Atriplex lentiformis) is a subshrub to shrub found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various habitats including Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and parts of Utah. Known for its edible qualities, Quail Bush provides leaves, shoots, and seeds that are useful for culinary purposes. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow up to 3 meters in height, while another notable characteristic is its preference for light (sandy) and medium soils with a pH range of 7–10.
Quick answers
What is Quail Bush?
Quail Bush (Atriplex lentiformis) is a subshrub to shrub found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various habitats including Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and parts of Utah.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Quail Bush thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions. It grows well in light (sandy) and medium soils. The plant is hardy in zones 7-10 and can reach heights of 3 meters, making it a subshrub or shrub. For cultivation, use soil with a pH between 7 and 10. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, shoots, and seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–10
For first-time growers
How to grow Quail Bush for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Quail Bush to get familiar with its care.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm but not hot.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 10. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist until plants are established, then reduce watering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and minimal water once established. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and maintain size.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: The quail bush can be eaten in various forms. Its leaves and shoots are often consumed fresh or lightly cooked. The seeds, while edible, may require more processing before consumption. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided.
Other uses:Soap
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 3 introduced
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)EritreaEthiopia
Broader regions
native:Arizona, Mexico Northwest, Nevada, Texas, Utah, California
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 18fa3048-d1c3-4bb9-9d42-72eb4051a169
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