Atriplex portulacoides
sea-purslane
Coasts of western and southern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and southwest Asia
Overview
Atriplex portulacoides is a low, woody-based evergreen subshrub of the goosefoot subfamily, growing 30-80 cm (12-31 in) tall and spreading to form dense, grey patches on salt marshes. Its opposite, fleshy leaves are 1.5-5 cm (0.6-2 in) long, oblong to lance-shaped, and coated with a mealy bloom that gives a silvery grey-green colour. The branching stems are woody below and root where they touch wet mud, building broad colonies. From summer it carries slender, branched spikes of tiny yellowish flowers without petals, the male and female flowers borne separately on the same plant. Small flattened fruits enclosed by lobed bracts follow in autumn. It grows on the middle and upper levels of salt marshes, along creek banks and pans, on saline, muddy soils flooded by tides. The species tolerates salt, waterlogging, and tidal submersion but needs full light and fails on dry or non-saline ground. Its silvery, fleshy mounds hold colour through the year.
Native Range
Atriplex portulacoides is native to the coasts of western and southern Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and southwest Asia. It grows on salt marshes and tidal mudflats throughout this range. It is absent from strongly freshwater or inland sites.Suggested Uses
Atriplex portulacoides is grown in coastal and salt-marsh restoration, brackish water margins, and saline gravel gardens where its grey foliage and salt tolerance suit the site. The fleshy leaves are edible and have a history of use as a coastal vegetable. It binds soft marsh mud along creek banks.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'7"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
silvery grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight