Old man saltbush Atriplex nummularia
Old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Arid and semi-arid inland eastern Australia. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Old man saltbush in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Old man saltbush at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (cooked, or dried as a salty seasoning) |
| Native to | Arid and semi-arid inland eastern Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Old man saltbush toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the leaves are salty and high in oxalate, so eat in moderation.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Old man saltbush
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Old man saltbush
- How far apart should I plant Old man saltbush?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Old man saltbush need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Old man saltbush need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Old man saltbush?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Old man saltbush flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Old man saltbush poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the leaves are salty and high in oxalate, so eat in moderation.
- What grows well with Old man saltbush?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Old man saltbush. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Feedipedia: animal feed resources information system, INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- A big, silver-grey shrub that grows on salty, dry soils where little else will. Planted for sheep fodder and to reclaim salt-affected land in Australia, North Africa and the Middle East, and as a fire-retardant hedge. Chefs use the salty leaves as a seasoning.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea