Atriplex littoralis L.

Taxonomic Identity

Atriplex littoralis L. is a halophytic annual plant with a shrubby growth form, reaching up to 100 cm in height.

Habitat

It grows on sandy, silty, or muddy beaches, saltmarshes, and tidal riverbanks, and often forms dense stands.

Indumentum

All parts of this plant are sparsely covered in short, scurfy white hairs.

Stem and Leaf Morphology

It has ridged stems that are green or red-tinged, and narrow leaves ranging from bright green to grey-green, with either entire margins or sparse distant teeth.

Flower Structure and Color

Its small flower clusters form spikes on the upper sections of stems; the flowers themselves range in colour from yellow-green to reddish.

Flowering Period

In northern Europe, it flowers from July to August, and occasionally extends flowering into October.

Regional Distribution in British Isles

In Great Britain, it is common and widespread, but it is scarcer in Ireland, where it is only found along the east and south coasts and the Shannon Estuary.

Population Trend

The species is increasing in population range in both Great Britain and Ireland.

Inland Range Expansion

Since the 1980s, it has spread to and colonised new inland roadside areas along Britain’s main roads that did not host the species before, taking advantage of road salt used on these routes.

Introduced Range

It is locally naturalised in South Africa and the United States.

Human Use

Its cooked leaves are edible.