Seasonal Wild Flowers

Latin name

Atriplex prostrata

Other names

Halberd-Leaved Orache

Family

Amaranthaceae

Flowering season

July to October

English distribution

It is found throughout the country.

For a map see the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland –

Spear-leaved Orache

Habitat

It grows in coastal habitats and on cultivated land, tips and

waste ground, farm manure heaps and by ditches and

ponds.

It also grows along some salt-treated roads.

Description

Spear-leaved Orache is a native, annual, spreading,

prostrate to erect herb growing up to 1m.

The petalless flowers are in spikes with clusters of male

and female flowers on the same plant.

Male flowers have 5 small tepals and 5 stamens. 

Female flowers have no tepals but have 2 triangular

bracteoles which enclose the 2 styles.

The bracteoles expand to enclose the fruits. 

Fruits are triangular and toothed.

Leaves are green and often redden with age.

They are extremely variable in shape and their amount

of mealiness.

The mealiness is due to bladder-like hairs.

The lower leaves are arrow shaped, with the basal 

lobes at right angles to the leaf stalks.

Stems are grooved and vary from green to red.