Fat Hen, Spear-Scale, Common Orach, Spreading Orach, Saltbush
Atriplex patula L.
Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
▲▼ mature plants
▲▼ mature plants
▲▼ stem and leaves
▲ inflorescences
Fat Hen, Spear-Scale, Common Orach, Saltbush:
European native, summer annual weed, appearing similar to common lambsquarters, except leaves are more arrowhead-shaped; new leaves also may have white, mealy coating seen on lambsquarters
plants grow 0.5-3 feet tall and wide, with much branching from the base
stems are green with reddish stripes (similar to lambsquarters)
found in cultivated fields, gardens, roadsides, disturbed sites—can even tolerate mowing in lawns
more common further north, but can be found around here