Atriplex Patula

Fat Hen, Spear-Scale, Common Orach, Spreading Orach, Saltbush

Atriplex patula L.

Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)

▲ ▼ 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