Garden Orache

(Atriplex hortensis)

Garden Orache (Atriplex hortensis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Atriplex hortensis, commonly known as Garden Orache, is an annual herb originally from the temperate regions of Eurasia, including steppes and disturbed soils. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is a historical leaf vegetable that was widely cultivated before the popularity of spinach, and it is still grown today as a warm-weather alternative to that crop. Garden Orache can vary in height from two to six feet, depending on the variety and soil conditions. It has an erect, branching stem and features leaves that are oblong and slightly acidic to the taste, with colors ranging from green to red and white, depending on the cultivar. The flowers of Atriplex hortensis are small and inconspicuous, with greenish or reddish hues that blend with the foliage. The seeds are small, black, and encased in a thin, pale-yellow membrane, remaining viable for up to three years.

Garden Orache is valued for its salty, spinach-like flavor and is used in culinary applications similar to spinach. It is also appreciated for its ornamental foliage, particularly the red and white-leafed varieties. This plant thrives in full sun and requires moderate watering, performing best in soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is not particularly demanding, it does prefer nutrient-rich soils. In cultivation, Garden Orache is used for border planting, as a leafy green in vegetable gardens, and occasionally as an ornamental plant for its colorful foliage. However, it is important to note that Atriplex hortensis can become invasive in some regions outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-4 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Purple, Red
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.

Natural Habitat

Originally from temperate regions of Eurasia, including steppes and disturbed soils

Other Names

Common Names: Red Orache, Mountain Spinach, French Spinach, Arrach, Armuelle Mole, Bledos Moles, Mountain-Spinach, Orache, Have-Mælde, Garten-Melde

Scientific Names: , Atriplex hortensis, Atriplex hortensis var. rubra, Atriplex microtheca, Atriplex hortense, Atriplex hortensis subsp. hortensis, Chenopodium benghalense, Atriplex hortensis var. atrosanguinea, Atriplex benghalensis, Atriplex hortensis subsp. atrosanguinea

GBIF Accepted Name: Atriplex hortensis L.