Species Grassleaf Orache
lime flowers, green leaves and green stems

Grassleaf Orache

Atriplex littoralis

Also Known As - Narrow Leaved Atriplex
Grassleaf Orache (Atriplex littoralis) is an attractive annual plant that grows easily from seed. It's native to California, Texas, and Baja California, and can reach up to three feet in height. The stems are upright and reddish-green, and the leaves can grow to five inches in length and are small and slightly triangular with a wide base. It produces small flowers that are clustered in the leaf axils. The flowers range from yellow to reddish-brown and are surrounded by scaly bracts. This plant is drought tolerant and does not require heavy fertilization, making it a great choice for sunny areas with dry soil.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Grassleaf Orache should be watered regularly in order to maintain its bluish-green foliage. The amount of water will depend on the amount of rainfall in your area. During the summer, the plant should be watered on a weekly basis, providing 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water. For periods of no or light rainfall, you should provide supplemental irrigation every couple of weeks. During the winter months, the plant should only need to be watered once a month. If the temperature stays consistently warm, however, you may need to provide a bit more water. Adjust the amount as needed to provide 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water once a month.

sunlight

Grassleaf Orache requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. This plant species grows best when it receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best time to plant this species is during the early spring months or late summer months when the sun is most abundant and direct. It is important to protect this plant species from other plants, Shrubs, and trees that may provide too much shade. Summer months, when the temperatures are higher and the sunlight is more consistent and intense, can be beneficial for this particular species.

pruning

Grassleaf Orache (Atriplex littoralis) should be pruned once a year around late spring or early summer. Depending on the size of the plant, the pruning can range from a light trim to removing up to a third of its branches. Pruning helps to control the size and shape of the plant, as well as encourage new growth. If necessary, it can also be trimmed again later in the summer to keep it from becoming unruly and to promote new foliage. When pruning, make sure to remove any dead or slow growing branches to create an open and airy shape.