Species Wedgescale Orache
yellow-green flowers on lime stems

Wedgescale Orache

Atriplex truncata

Also Known As - Wedge Orache
Wedgescale Orache (Atriplex truncata) is an annual herbaceous plant, commonly found in arid locations and sand dunes. It has triangular wedge-shaped leaves with a wrinkle-like appearance, along with tall, erect stems, and can reach heights up to 4 feet. This species produces small, yellowish to reddish flowers in dense clusters, with each of them having four small petals. After flowering, the plant produces small fruits in the shape of circular black discs. Wedgescale Orache is known for its tolerance of salty habitats, making them useful in coastal areas. However, it is not a recommended species for human consumption.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,red,yellow,purple,orange Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Water the Redscale Saltbush every 7 to 10 days, depending on soil conditions and weather patterns. Make sure to use a soil moisture meter to determine moisture level in the soil before watering. Irrigation can be done either with a watering can or a hose with a nozzle. Aim to give the plant a deep, thorough soaking, allowing the water to run through and accumulate in the tray beneath the plant. Make sure not to keep the roots of the seedlings continuously submerged underwater. Initially, give the plant about 1 to 2 inches of water, increasing as the plant matures. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings.

sunlight

Redscale Saltbush (Atriplex rosea) can grow in both full sun and partial shade. It prefers full sun for the best growth and to produce the most flowers and fruit. The plant can tolerate some shade but will do best with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day throughout the growing season. If the plant does not get the right amount or timing of sunlight, it may become leggy and fail to bloom. For optimal growth and fruiting, these plants should receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm.

pruning

Redscale Saltbush should be pruned twice a year to keep growth under control and to sustain a desired shape. The first pruning should be done in early spring when the bush is just beginning to bud out, and the second pruning should be in late summer or early fall. During the spring pruning, large branches can be cut back to just above an outward facing bud and the bush can be thinned out or “headed back” to encourage dense growth and to shape the saltbush. During the late summer or early fall pruning, any dying, damaged or crowded branches should be removed, and the bush can be thinned out again to maintain an attractive shape.

Propagation

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

Hardiness Map

Similar Plants

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