SafePlants

Atriplex elegans: Wheelscale Saltbush

Atriplex elegans, commonly known as wheelscale saltbush, Mecca orach, or simply wheelscale, is an annual member of the Atriplex genus within the family Chenopodiaceae. This plant is also referred to as orache or saltbush, names shared with other Atriplex species.

Considerations for Pets

• The text refers to the plant having potential uses as a cooking agent. Although this may indicate non-toxicity, it is still important to ensure that your pet does not ingest this plant.

Considerations for Children

• The text refers to the plant having potential uses as a cooking agent. Although this may indicate non-toxicity, it is still important to ensure that children do not ingest this plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Atriplex elegans (Moq.) D. Dietr.
• Family: Chenopodiaceae
• Genus: Atriplex
• Common Names: Wheelscale saltbush, Mecca orach, wheelscale, orache, saltbush.
• Subspecies/Varieties:
  • Atriplex elegans var. fasciculata (S. Watson) M.E. Jones
  • Atriplex elegans var. thornberi M.E. Jones
  • Atriplex argentea Nutt. ssp. D. Dietr. var. elegans
• Synonyms: Based on the text, Orache (Orach, Saltbush, Wheelscale Saltbush, Common/Spear -leaved/Garden/Red Orache) refers to Atriplex spp. including A. hortensis, A.

Distribution and Habitat

• Atriplex elegans is native to Texas, other states (Southwestern US), and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Atriplex elegans is typically an annual plant, though some sources indicate it can sometimes be perennial.
• It grows to a height of approximately 0.2 meters (8 inches).
• As a forb/herb, it is a non-woody plant.
• Flowering occurs from July to September, with seeds ripening from August to October.
• Stems can be ascending or erect and are stramineous (straw-colored) or whitish.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Beetles have been observed feeding on the foliage of Atriplex elegans.