There is some disagreement over the correct name for this species. The Flora of N. America[] treats it as Atriplex pentandra Standl., but we are following the treatment in the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. However, since this latter treatment is still in review(2016), it could be that the name will be changed to Areiplex pentandra later[].

Common Name:

General Information

Atriplex cristata is an annual to perennial plant producing a clump of much-branched, sprawing to erect stems that often become more or less woody near the base; it can grow 30 - 100cm tall[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

No member of this genus contains any toxins, all have more or less edible leaves. However, if grown with artificial fertilizers, they may concentrate harmful amounts of nitrates in their leaves.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. America - Coastal areas from Massachusets to Florida, Texas and northern Mexico; much of the Caribbean; S. America - Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador

Habitat

Sandy coastal beaches and borders of salt marshes[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in full sun in any well-drained but not too fertile soil[]. Most species in this genus tolerate saline and very alkaline soils[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked. A salty taste[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow mid spring in situ. Germination is usually rapid.