Red Orach Atriplex hortensis var. rubra
ABOUT
Commonly known as red orach, this plant bears an attractive presence in gardens and landscapes with its distinctive coloration. Its leaves take on an eye-catching hue that ranges from a deep red to purplish tone, providing a striking contrast when situated among plants of more typical green foliage. Red orach's leaves are typically arrow-shaped or slightly oval, and they may sometimes display a slightly toothed or smooth edge. The texture of the leaves is often somewhat fleshy, with a slight sheen that can catch the light and give the foliage an almost luminous appearance in the right conditions. As for the plant's overall structure, its stems are sturdy and can also exhibit the plant's characteristic red coloration. The stems branch out, creating a bushy appearance and supporting the spread of its colorful leaves. Throughout its growing season, red orach can produce small flowers that form in clusters along the tips of the stems. The flowers are generally insignificant in appearance compared to the striking foliage, and their color often blends with the rest of the plant, ranging from reddish to greenish tones. As the plant matures, it can also develop seed clusters that may attract birds and other wildlife, adding an additional element of interest to the garden space where red orach resides. The overall visual impact of this plant is one of vibrant and dramatic color that can serve as a focal point or accent in various garden designs, always without overshadowing its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Amaranthaceae.
Synonyms
Red Orach, Mountain Spinach, French Spinach, Giant Lambsquarters.
Common names
Atriplex hortensis var. rubra
ToxicityTo humans
Red orach (Atriplex hortensis var. rubra) is not considered particularly toxic to humans when consumed in moderate amounts. However, like many plants in the Amaranthaceae family, it may contain oxalates and nitrates at high levels, particularly when grown in nitrate-rich soils. Consuming large amounts of plants with high oxalate levels can lead to issues such as kidney stones, as oxalates can bind with calcium in the body. Nitrates can be reduced by proper cooking. Saponins are another constituent, which can be mildly toxic, but are usually present at levels too low to be harmful and are largely broken down during the cooking process.
To pets
Red orach (Atriplex hortensis var. rubra) does not have a specific toxicity to pets, such as cats and dogs. As with humans, the plant can contain oxalates and nitrates, which in large amounts could pose a risk. Pets consuming large quantities of red orach could potentially experience symptoms of oxalate poisoning, which may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If high levels of nitrates are ingested, it might lead to nitrate poisoning, the symptoms of which include weakness, ataxia, and changes in the color of the mucous membranes (possibly becoming brown due to methemoglobinemia). However, pets typically do not consume enough plant material for these issues to become a significant concern. Owners should be cautious and prevent pets from consuming large amounts of any plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Green
Height
3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.30-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Leaves: The leaves of Atriplex hortensis var. rubra, commonly known as red orach, can be consumed raw in salads or cooked like spinach, offering a versatile food source.
- Nutrient-Rich: Red orach is high in vitamins and minerals, providing essential nutrients in a diet.
- Drought Tolerant: This plant is well-suited for dry climates, where water conservation is essential, as it can tolerate low water conditions once established.
- Ornamental Appeal: Red orach features attractive red-purple foliage that makes it a striking addition to ornamental gardens.
- Soil Improvement: It can be used as a green manure crop, enhancing soil fertility by adding organic matter when it decomposes.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can attract beneficial insects and provide habitat for wildlife, contributing to biodiversity in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: Red orach is known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal care, which makes it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Fast Growth: The plant grows quickly, providing swift coverage or produce, which can be especially useful for filling gaps in the garden.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Atriplex hortensis var. rubra may have diuretic effects, which can help increase urine production and alleviate fluid retention.
- Digestive aid: The plant has been historically used to aid in digestion and may assist with gastrointestinal issues such as bloating and indigestion.
- Nutrition: It is known to be high in vitamins and minerals, which can contribute to overall health and wellness, although this is more a nutritional than medicinal property.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Atriplex hortensis var. rubra, commonly known as Red Orach, can be used as a natural dye source, imparting a subtle color to fabrics and textiles.
- In landscaping, Red Orach can provide a striking visual contrast with its reddish-purple leaves amidst green foliage in ornamental gardens.
- The young, colorful leaves of Red Orach can be incorporated into floral arrangements as an interesting and edible garnish.
- In permaculture, Red Orach serves as a trap crop, attracting pests away from more valuable plants.
- The seeds of Red Orach can be scattered and used as a microgreen for a nutritional and visual enhancement on dishes.
- As a companion plant, Red Orach attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Farmers growing Red Orach likely use it in crop rotation, as it can help break pest and disease cycles by being a non-host for species that commonly affect other crops.
- Red Orach can be used in educational settings such as schools or community gardens to teach about edible plants and biodiversity.
- For artists and craftspeople, the leaves of Red Orach can be pressed and preserved to create botanical artwork or to be used in paper making.
- In culinary presentations, Red Orach can be used as a natural plate decoration, adding an upscale and vibrant touch to the plating of a dish.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiRed Orach is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityRed Orach is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability - Atriplex hortensis, also known as orache, has a resilience to grow in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt to diverse environments.
- Resourcefulness - As orache is an edible plant that has been used over history for its leaves and seeds, it represents making the most of resources and opportunities presented.
- Bounty - The var. rubra, with its striking red leaves, can indicate a lush and abundant growth, symbolizing prosperity and an abundant harvest in one's endeavors.
WaterRed orach requires moderate watering, ideally receiving about 1 inch of water per week. Over-watering should be avoided, as this can lead to root rot; ensure that the soil is well-drained. During hot and dry spells, increase the watering frequency to maintain consistent soil moisture, but allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. During cooler seasons or when rainfall is plentiful, reduce the frequency to prevent waterlogging. It is best to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
LightRed orach thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate some shade, too much will reduce its growth and the vibrancy of its foliage. Avoid deeply shaded spots to ensure healthy growth.
TemperatureFor red orach, ideal growing temperatures range between 50°F and 75°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 25°F, but frost can damage the leaves. At the upper range, it can survive in temperatures up to 90°F, although prolonged extreme heat may stress the plant. It's best suited to temperate regions and may not perform well in high summer heat without shade.
PruningPruning red orach is mainly for shaping and removing any damaged or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. Prune in the early growing stages to encourage bushier growth and again after the first flush of leaves to promote new foliage. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Orach prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite would be ideal to ensure adequate drainage and fertility.
RepottingRed Orach does not typically require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or as necessary when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingRed Orach is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright light and well-draining soil mix for indoor Red Orach.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAtriplex hortensis var. rubra, commonly known as red orach or mountain spinach, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in early spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a small rosette of leaves near the soil's surface. As the plant matures, it develops an upright stem and a more substantial leaf structure, with its distinctive red coloring becoming more pronounced with exposure to sunlight and maturity. Red orach enters the bolting stage in response to longer daylight hours, forming a flowering stalk that produces small and often inconspicuous flowers. Once pollinated, these flowers develop into fruiting bodies containing seeds, completing the life cycle. The plant is typically an annual, meaning it completes this entire cycle within one growing season before dying, with its seeds lying dormant until the next favorable conditions for germination.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Red Orach, known scientifically as Atriplex hortensis var. rubra, is a plant generally propagated through seeds. The best time to sow these seeds is in early spring, after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). To propagate, seeds should be planted about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-13 mm) deep into well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Space the seeds or plants 12 to 18 inches (30-46 cm) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the seeds gently and keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings have emerged and have grown sufficiently, they can be thinned out. Red Orach can also self-seed prolifically if the flowers are allowed to mature and drop seeds.
