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spear saltbush

Scientific Name: Atriplex patula

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Spear Saltbush (Atriplex patula)

Spear Saltbush, scientifically known as Atriplex patula, is an annual herbaceous plant also commonly referred to as Common Orache, Spear Orach, or Spreading Orache. It is also known as halberd leaf orache, spearscale, and spreading orache. The name "saltbush" comes from the plant's ability to retain salt in its leaves.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text notes that this plant retains salt in its leaves.
  • The plant produces seeds.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Atriplex patula L.
  • Common Names: Spear Saltbush, Common Orache, Spear Orach, Spreading Orache, Orache, Wheelscale Saltbush, Common/Spear-leaved/Garden/Red Orache, halberd leaf orache, spearscale, spreading orache
  • Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

Atriplex patula is described as a circumboreal species, indicating a distribution throughout the northern regions of the world. It is a ruderal plant, meaning it commonly grows in disturbed or neglected areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Atriplex patula is an annual plant, completing its life cycle in one year.
  • It typically grows to a height of approximately 0.8 meters (2 feet 7 inches).
  • The plant flowers from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October.

Ecological Role

  • It is described as weedy and widespread.
  • The text also mentions that this plant is pollinated by wind.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text references studies that have researched the effects of anthropogenic pollution with heavy metals on seed progeny.