Oldman Saltbush - Atriplex Nummuleria

The Oldman Saltbush (Atriplex Nummuleria) is a large, woody shrub native to Australia. It typically grows to about 3 meters tall and wide, with dense, rounded foliage. The leaves are small and irregularly shaped, about 2-3 cm long, and have a grey-green color. The flowers are small and green, borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. They bloom throughout the year, but most prolifically in summer.

Uses:

• Ornamental: Oldman Saltbush is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive silver foliage and drought tolerance. It can be used in borders, hedges, or containers.

• Food: The leaves and seeds of Oldman Saltbush are edible and have a salty flavor. The leaves can be eaten fresh, blanched, sautéed, or dried. They can also be used to make flour or salt. The seeds can be ground into a flour or roasted and eaten like nuts.

• Livestock fodder: Oldman Saltbush is a valuable source of food for livestock, such as sheep and cattle. It is drought-resistant and provides essential nutrients.

• Windbreak: Oldman Saltbush can be used to create windbreaks, which can help to protect crops and homes from wind damage.

Growing and caring:

Oldman Saltbush is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers well-drained soil in full sun. It is drought tolerant once established, but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells. It can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.

Height:

Oldman Saltbush typically grows to about 3 meters tall.

Additional tips:

• When using Oldman Saltbush for food, be sure to identify the plant correctly, as there are other plants that look similar but are not edible.
• Oldman Saltbush can be toxic to some animals, so be sure to consult with a veterinarian before feeding it to your pets.