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:  (not in Weeds of the Great Plains, nor Weeds of the Northeast)

      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