The Atriplex Project

Common name

Genus

Species

Zones

Light

Moisture

Soil texture

Soil pH

Form

Height

Width

Lifespan

Growth Rate

Native?

Edible?

Med?

Nec

Ins

Seed/stock Sources (see tab 2 for key)

Local examples

Sources

Notes

Magnolia vine

Schisandra

Chinensis

Full shade

Moist

berry

BRN, OGW

EFG, BRN, OGW

Lemony berries. Leaves can be used as tea. Does well in full shade. Drought intolerant - requires irrigation. The fully dormant plant is hardy to about 0 F, though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.

Spilanthes

Acmella

Oleracea

Full sun

Moist

herb

12"

UWG, SoC, HH

CRMPI

CRMPI, PFAF, UWG, HH

used to make a useful + multifunctional tincture. chewing leaves numbs mouth

Welsh Bunching Onions

Allium

Fistulosum

4 - 10

Full sun

moist

5.5 - 8

herb, medium

2-3'

1-2'

s-m

bulbs, leaves

BG, HH

CRMPI, R&R

EFG, PFAF

Very hardy and easy to grow. bulbs are small (.5-1 inch diameter) but have strong flavor. leaves have mild onion flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. repels insects.

Amaranth

Amaranthus

spp.

Full sun

Dry/Moist

seeds, leaves

UWG, BG, SoC, JLHS

PFAF, AFCM

Hi protein. Drought-tolerant once established. Sown in late may/early june. Cuttings root easily. >1000 lbs grain/acre in upper midwest.

Running Juneberry

Amelanchier

Stolonifera

Full sun

Dry/Moist

S (L, C)

5.5-7

Shrub, M

4-6'

Indef

berry

OTC

EFG, OTC

Grows true to seed

Groundplum Milk Vetch

Astragalus

Crassicarpus

3 to 8

Full sun

Dry

S, L

herb (small)

6-15"

1-2'

leaves, fruit

JLHS, RMRP, MSG

CRMPI, R&R House

EFG, MSG, PFAF

Somewhat difficult to grow, esp for transplants. "The fruits are edible. They are very juicy and taste a little like pea pods. They were eaten by Native Americans and early settlers."

Saltbush

Atriplex

Halimus

Full sun

Dry/Moist

Shrub

other members of genus

leaves

JLHS

EFG, JHLS

Tolerates dry and salty soils. Doesn't grow well in clay soil. "Plants can be damaged by severe frosts but they soon recover" - PFAF. A. Halimus might need a sheltered microclimate to grow in CO, but A. canescens, a relative, is native to the Denver area and was used as a fuel source by Native Americans.

Saltbush, Four-wing

Atriplex

Canescens

Full sun

Dry/moist

S, L

basic, neutral

shrub, m

leaves, seeds

NAG

common to Denver area, used as fuel source by Native Americans. "It survives with 8" to 12" of rain a year and is found anywhere from below sea level to 8,000'. Taproots that can reach down 20' tolerate soils containing salt, selenium, boron, and alkalis, but accept slightly acid soils, deep sandy loams, heavy clays, and gravel washes... The leaves contain high levels of protein and carotene in the winter, but saponin makes them unpalatable in the summer when they’re producing seed." - NAG "The leaves can be made into a soapy lather and used as a wash on itches and rashes such as chickenpox. A poultice of the crushed leaves can be applied to ant bites to reduce the pain and swelling." - PFAF

Siberian Pea Shrub

Caragana

Arborescens

2 - 9

Full sun

Dry/Moist

Shrub, large

pods

BRN

CRMPI, R&R, Monument

EFG, BRN

Good chicken feed, seeds are 36% protein, good hedge (thorny), winter hardy, drought tolerant. New growth can be trimmed and left on ground as nitrogen-rich mulch. "The seeds are edible cooked. Small, but produced in abundance, there are 4 - 6 seeds per pod. Having a bland flavor, it is best used in spicy dishes. The raw seed has a mild pea-like flavor. The seed contains 12.4% of a fatty oil and up to 36% protein, and it has been recommended as an emergency food for humans - http://www.djroger.com/Siberian%20Pea%20Shrub.htm

Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus

Montanus

Full sun

Dry

shrub (large)

6-20'

s-m

CRMPI, Monument

EFG, CRMPI

CRMPI: coppice for chicken fodder and mulch. poison (?)

Lamb's Quarters/Huauzontle

Chenopodium

Album/Berlandieri

0 (?)

Full sun

Dry/Moist

S,L,C

leaves, inflorescence, seeds

JLHS

JLHS, Wiki, PFAF

Common garden weed - self-sows freely in most soils. Indicator of nitrogen-rich soils. Good companion for potatoes, corn and cucurbits. Leaves are good spinach substitute. Contains saponins, which can cause indigestion unless cooked/rinsed.

Quinoa

Chenopodium

Quinoa

Full sun

Dry/Moist

6 - 8.5

leaves, seeds

SoC, BG, JLHS

JLHS, SoC article: http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_38/quinoa.asp

Well-suited to high elevations with warm days and cool nights. Drought-tolerant but prefers moist soil. Sow in april. Must thoroughly rinse to remove saponins before eating. "The leaves, stem-tips and young flowers are excellent in salads, having a mild sweet flavor, and very succulent. Also good cooked like spinach or added to soups." - JLHS

South American seed doesn't seem to do well,I bought Black quinoa from a place in the San Louis Valley and its doing very well in full sun some plants are 7 feet high.The only soil additions I used were bagged steer manure tilled in 8 inches.Last year my black quinoa failed because of drought and root maggots but still managed to pop a few seeds out.Use seed sparingly as every single one will germinate,the plants will tiller out if given room and create multiple seed heads.This is definitely a plant I will stick with in the future.

Gamote/Widewing Springparsley

Cymopterus

Purpurascens

Full sun

Dry

herb, medium

roots

very little info available.

Prostrate Broom

Cytisus

Decumbens

6 - 8

Full sun

Dry/Moist

herb (small)

4 - 8"

3' +

EFG

dislikes root disturbance

Sylvetta Arugula

Diplotaxis

Muralis/Tenuifolia

Full sun

Dry/Moist

5.5-7

Herb, S

leaves

PFAF

Common roadside weed in many places (CO?). Prolific leaves taste bitter like Arugula.

Silverberry

Eleagnus

Commutata

2 - 6

Full sun

Dry/Moist

fruit

OGW, BRN

EFG, OGW, BRN

OGW tastier, BRN hardier. good for hedgerows, poor soils, windbreaks. Resent root disturbance. Good-smelling flowers

Buckwheat

Fagopyrum

esculentum

full sun

moist

leaves and seed

"very fast-growing cover crop has low grain yield, but is tolerant of very cool temps, and is high in lysine. Widely used as a bee plant, green manure, "nurse" plant for seedlings, and to attract wildlife. Plant spring or late summer. Will grow on nearly any soil, but prefers light, well-drained soil."

not frost hardy plant after frost danger, plant will die as seeds mature,cut and dry in sun to let green seeds mature then thresh.

Goji Berry/ Wolfberry

Lycium

Barbarum

Full sun

Moist

S, L, C

shrub, medium

berries, shoots

BRN(?), HH

PFAF, BRN

grows quickly & can grow in poor soil - can become invasive. recovers well from pruning. Hardy to about 10 C. Good for erosion control.

Barberry, Mexican/Red

Mahonia

Haematocarpa

Full sun

Dry

S, L

slightly acid

shrub, large

20'

s - m

berries

PFAF

Abundant red, tart berries are somewhat seedy. Thorny leaves - good as hedge. Fragrant flowers.

Prickly Pear

Opuntia

spp

5 - 9

Full sun

Dry

shrub

4-8'

fruit, pads

OTC, IMC

EFG

needles

Pinon Pine

Pinus

Edulis

Full sun

Dry

neutral

tree

50'

35'

s-m

nuts, needle tea

BG (seeds)

EFG

traditional source of protein

Honeypod Mesquite

Prosopis

Glandulosa

Full sun

Dry/Moist

shrub, very large

12-25'

30'

pods

EFG, Wiki

Invasive. Fruits even during drought. Bark gum is candy or wound treatment. Wood is also multifunctional.

Rosemary 'arp'

Rosmarinus

Officinalis

5 - 9

Full sun

Dry/Moist

shrub, small/medium

3-4'

herb

EFG

Sheep Sorrel

Rumex

Acetosella

Full sun

Dry/Moist

acid-neutral

herb

indef

leaves

CRMPI

EFG, CRMPI, PFAF

attracts wildlife. Detoxifier when juiced, makes lemonade-like drink when boiled. lemony flavor due to oxalic acid -> raw leaves in hi quantities will lock up other nutrients. Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots.

Soapberry

Sapindus

Drummondii

Full sun

Dry/Moist

S, L, C

tree

40'

sw us

DBG

PFAF, Wiki

Fruit contains saponins that make a good natural detergent. Antimicrobial properties good for disinfecting greywater and cisterns

Wooly Thyme

Thymus

pseudolanuginosus

Full sun

Dry/Moist

S,L

herb

indef

leaves

xeriscape CO, PFAF

Excellent groundcover: good in cracks and paths. Tolerates being walked on occasionally. OK edible. Likes sandy soil. Thymes dislike wet conditions, especially in the winter. Hardy to approx. 10 F (sunny microclimates only in Denver area)

Jujube

Zizyphus

Jujuba

6 - 9

Full sun

Dry/Moist

S, L, C

tree, small-medium

15-30'

fruit

BRN, OGW

EFG, OGW

Hardy to -13 F. Grows quickly even in poor soil. Drought tolerant. Responds well to coppicing. 1/2-inchx1-inch fruit can be eaten raw or dried. Increases immune system resistance

Wintergreen, christmas

Gaultheria

Procumbens

Partial - full shade

Dry/moist

S, L

Acidic

fruit, leaves as tea

OTC

OTC, PFAF

"The bright red fruits are attractive and remain on all winter. Really a good edible groundcover and will spread with its dense growth habit. Needs acidic soil with lots of organic matter." - OTC

Running club moss

Lycopodium

Clavatum

1 - 8

Partial shade

Dry/Wet

herb, small

5-12"

indef

Ramps

Allium

Tricoccum

4 - 8

Shade

Moist

S, L

leaves, root

Plant bulbs fairly deeply. Requires relatively rich soil. Inhibits the growth of legumes.

Ginger, wild

Asarum

Canadense

3 - 8

Shade

Moist

S, L, C

shrub, m

tubers

PFAF

Roots have pungent peppery ginger smell

Wood Nettle

Laportaea

Canadensis

3 - 8

Shade

Moist

herb

1-3'

cooking greens, tea

EFG

stings before cooked

Serviceberry/Saskatoon

Amelanchier

alnifolia

Some shade

Moist

S (L, C)

15'

berry

BNPN, OTC

PFAF, OTC

Grows true to seed. Plants fruit in 2-3 years. Hardy to -40 F

Ground Nut

Apios

Americana

3 - 10

Some shade

Moist

S, L

neutral to v. acidic

Vine, M

10'-25'

tuber

OTC

EFG, PFAF

Grows naturally in low marshy areas of NE United States, forming long thin roots with tubers at intervals along their length. Can twine around neighboring plants for support, or trail on the ground. Tuber is 17% protein and takes 2-3 years to reach a sizeable harvest. Can be eaten raw or cooked. Best when harvested in autumn. stores well until the spring.

Burdock

Arctium

Lappa

Some shade

Moist

7 - 9

root

PFAF, BG

excellent detoxifier. sow in spring or autumn 15 cm apart. self-sows. likes sandy soil.

Aronia/black chokeberry

Aronia

Melanocarpa

Some shade

Dry/Wet

S, L, C

acid

fruit

BRN, FF

EFG, BRN, PFAF

fruit is astringent, should be sweetened before eating. better after a frost or two. High in vitamin C, antioxidants, polyphenols, bioflavonoids, and tannins

Barberry

Berberis

Vulgaris

Some shade

Dry/Moist

S, L, C

shrub

10'

berries

DBG

PFAF

the 1/2 in fruit has a very acid flavor and is mainly used in preserves, though can be eaten raw when it is fully ripe.

Chicory

Chicorium

Intybus

Some shade

Moist

4.5 - 8.5

herb, s-l

1-4'

1-2'

leaves, roots

JLHS

EFG, JLHS

"The crisp, bitter leaves add flavor and bite to salads, and can be braised or boiled. The roots of all types can be dried and roasted, then ground for a coffee flavoring or substitute, or can be cooked and eaten like carrots or parsnips"

Sweetfern

Comptonia

Peregrina

2 - 6

Some shade

Dry/Moist

shrub, small

4-8'

s-m

tea

EFG, PFAF

Tolerates dry soil when grown in the shade. Leaves are astringent, blood purifier, expectorant and tonic.

Lotus

Corniculatus

Prostrate bird's foot trefoil "plena"

Some shade

Dry/Moist

5.1-8.5

Herb

1-2'

EFG

Sea Kale

Crambe

Maritima

4 - 8

Some shade

Dry/Moist

6.5-8

herb, m

2-3'

m-f

leaves

JLHS, BG

Monument

PFAF, BG

likes good, rich, deep soil and an open and sunny position with plenty of compost and manure. drought-tolerant

American Persimmon

Diospyros

Virginiana

Some shade

Moist

fruit

OGW

EFG

Echinacea

Purpurea

3 - 8

Some shade

Dry/Moist

s,l

herb, large

3-4'

1-2'

m-f

CRMPI

EFG, PFAF

PFAF: "The plant has a general stimulatory effect on the immune system and is widely used in modern herbal treatments". Drought-tolerant once established. Attracts slugs. Great guide to growing and harvesting: http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/herbs/coneflower.asp

Goumi

Eleagnus

Multiflora

5 - 8

Some shade

Dry/Moist

S, L

shrub, large

6-8'

m - f

berries

BRN

EFG

Drought tolerant nitrogen fixer, hardy to -20 F. Great for hedges and companion planting. "The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent... the fruit is well hidden in the shrub and is quite difficult to harvest without damaging the plant."

Alpine Strawberry

Fragaria

Vesca 'Semperflorens'

Some shade

Moist

S, L, C

acid-neutral

shrub

fruit

PFAF

Tolerates heavy clay. Fruit is smaller than normal strawberries (1.5 cm) but abundant. Loses vigor after first few years. Likes pine needle mulch. Grows well with bush beans, spinach, borage, lettuce and pyrethrum

Sunchoke (Jerusalem Artichoke)

Helianthus

Tuberosis

2 - 10

Some shade

Moist

herb, large

6-12'

indef

tubers

OTC

R&R

EFG

Heavy yield with little maintenance. Tubers sweeten after frost. Can take over if not managed. Contains inulin, which can cause indigestion. Long-term storage, boiling, or slow roasting will convert inulin to starches, making tubers more easily digestible. "The first frost kills the stems and leaves, but the tubers can withstand freezing for months" - PFAF "Whole tubers or pieces about 2 oz. should be planted like potatoes and covered to a depth of 5 in."- PFAF

Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae

Rhamnoides

Some shade

Dry/Moist

S, L, C

shrub, large

20'

10'

berries

PFAF, RFG, Wiki

Produces acidic 1/4-inch berries high in vitamins A and C. A high-quality medical oil is produced from the fruit. Less tart (but less nutritious) after a frost. As the name implies, the branches are quite thorny. Grows on dunes and sea cliffs in the wild.

Lovage

Levisticum

Officianale

Some shade

Moist

Large herb

1-2'

leaves, stalks

CRMPI, R&R

PFAF, personal obs

leaves and stalks have strong celery taste and can be eaten cooked or raw. Not everyone finds the taste agreeable. Leaves are available early in the season. Regenerates when cut back to ground during growing season. Grows quickly in moist soil. Good companion plant.

Oregon grape

Mahonia

Repens

Some shade

Dry/moist

(S, L) C

shrub, s

mountains

berries

OTC

DBG

OTC, PFAF

Drought-tolerant, grows in poor soils. Taste is like a tart grape. Relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds. Root and root bark improves the digestion and absorption and is taken internally in the treatment of coughs, fevers, psoriasis, syphilis, haemorrhages, stomach complaints, kidney problems and impure blood conditions.

Cherry, western sand

Prunus

Besseyi

Some shade

Dry/moist

S, L, C

Shrub, l

2-4'

5-8'

fruit

Monument

PFAF

Fruit up to 1 in. can be eaten raw or cooked. Shallow-rooted. Fruits best in full sun.

Plum, American

Prunus

Americana

Some shade

Dry/moist

S,L,C

tree

fruit

CRMPI

PFAF

Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged.

Sand Cherry

Prunus

Pumila

Some shade

Dry/Moist

Shrub, m

3-6'

fruit

PFAF, EFG, NAG

pretty good fruit - up to 2 cm in diameter

Chokecherry, Canada Red

Prunus

Virginiana 'Shubert'

Some shade

Moist

S,L,C

shrub, large

fruit

OTC

Hardy to -40 F. Nomadic plains tribes pounded the dried berries and seeds into small, circular cakes. "Processed into syrups and jellies, the flavor can be best described as tart cherry with a mellow almond flavor. Trees are adaptable to shade and grow in almost all types of soils and locations." - OTC

Nanking Cherry

Prunus

Tomentosa

Some shade

moist

S, L, C

large shrub

fruit

CRMPI, Monument

CRMPI

Small, slightly tart fruit. Reliable crop.

Rhubarb

Rheum

Cultorum

Some shade

Moist

S, L, C

herb

stalk

PFAF, EFG

Tart stem is harvested in early spring. Can be eaten raw but is usually stewed with sugar or fruit. Roots have many medicinal properties. Grows best in moist, loamy soil but tolerates a wide variety of conditions.

Currant, clove/buffalo

Ribes

Odoratum/Aureum

Some shade

Dry/Moist

(S, L) C

berry

OTC, FF

FF, EFG, PFAF

OTC: one of the only currants that can be eaten raw. Best to have 2 plants for pollination. They appear to be self infertile. Hardy to -30 F. EFG: most drought-tolerant currant. PFAF: clove-scented flowers. ripens from late July and can hang on the bush until early autumn. Can also be dried for winter use.

Currant, Golden

Ribes

Nigrum

Some shade

Dry/Moist

(S, L) C

shrub

berries

somewhat drought-tolerant

Currant, American Black

Ribes

Americanum

Some shade

Moist/Wet

(S, L) C

berries

Gooseberry, mountain

Ribes

Montigenum

Some shade

(S, L) C

berry

FF, PFAF

doesn't sound delicious

Garden Sorrel

Rumex

Acetosa

3 - 9

Some shade

Moist

EFG

Buffaloberry 'Sakakaweja'

Sheperdia

Argentia

Some shade

Dry/moist

S, L, C

shrub, l

15'

berries

OTC

OTC, PFAF

Currant-like yellow fruit. Thorns make fruit tough to harvest.

Comfrey

Symphytum

Ofiicinale

Some shade

Moist

s,l,c

herb, large

3-5'

CRMPI, R&R House, Monument

CRPMI, EFG

weed barrier, chicken feed, make compost tea

Highbush Cranberry

Vibernum

Trilobum

Some shade

Moist/Wet

S, L, C

shrub (large)

6-12'

fruit

OTC

CRMPI

PFAF, EFG

Tolerates heavy clay. Drought-tolerant once established.

Honeyberry

Lonicera

caerulea

Some shade

Moist

shrub, medium

5' - 8'

berries

http://www.territorialseed.com

Hardy to -40°F, very easy to grow, and has very few pest and disease problems. Great fresh or made into preserves. Dioecious (two varieties of similar bloom time are needed for pollination.)

Kinnikinnick/Bearberry

Arctostaphylos

Uva-ursi

Sun or shade

Dry/Moist

S, L

neutral - acidic

shrub, med

berries

Wiki, PFAF

Succeeds well in poor soils. Cultivars 'Anchor Bay', 'Point Reyes' and 'Vulcan's Peak' have all been mentioned as good groundcover forms. 6mm fruit is best dried or cooked. "leaves are picked any time during the summer and dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, medicinal tea bags and tablets. The plant has the following claimed properties: anti-lithic, aromatic, astringent, disinfectant, diuretic, lithontripic, sedative (renal), stimulant (mild), tonic, urinary antiseptic." - Wikipedia

Paw Paw

Asimina

Triloba

5b - 7

Sun or shade

Moist

shrub (l)

15"

fruit

OGW, BRN, FF, OTC

PFAF

Native to SE USA - Nebraska to Florida (largest native american fruit). Likely would require irrigation in CO climate. Hardy to -30 F. Begins bearing in 4 - 6 years and yields up to 75 lbs per tree. Slow-growing at first, established plants average 1-2 feet growth.

Asparagus

officinalis

Sun or shade

Moist

S, L, C

6.5 or higher

herb, large

stalks

PFAF

Stalks are harvested in the spring and are a good source of protein and fiber. Can be eaten steamed, boiled, pickled, or raw in salads. A good companion plant for tomatoes, parsley and basil

Kiwi, hardy

Actinidia

Arguta

4 - 8

Moist

fruit

BRN, OGW

Serviceberry, Shadblow

Amelanchier

Canadensis

Dry/moist

S (L, C)

berries

OTC

Grows true to seed

Hull-less Oats

Avena

nuda

Wild Indigo

Baptisia

EFG

Chinese Chestnut

Castanea

Mollissima

EFG

chinquapin

Castanea

Pumila

EFG

Lamb's Quarters

Chenopodium

Berberis

leaves, seeds

Thread-leaved coreopsis

Coreopsis

Verticillata

EFG

Honeylocust, thornless

Gleditsia

Triacanthos Inermis

Dry/Moist

tree

Hull-less Barley

Hordeum

vulgare

Walnut, black

Juglans

Nigra

Dry/moist

Wild lupine

Lupinus

Perennus

Moist

seeds

EFG

Alfalfa

Medicago

Sativa

excellent cover crop.

Sundrops

Oenothera

Caespitosa

Proso Millet

Panicum

miliaceum

Spruce, Colorado

Picea

Pungens

Moist

acidic

tree

Korean Pine

Pinus

Koraiensis

nuts

EFG

Bali Cherry

Prunus

Bali

Bur oak

Quercus

Macrocarpus

acorns

EFG

Dwarf chestnut oak

Quercus

Prinoides

acorns

EFG

Currant, alpine

Ribes

Alpinum

Dry/moist

(S, L) C

shrub, m

Sedum

Grain Sorghum

Sorghum

bicolor

Dandelion

Taraxacum

officinale

Monument

Thyme

Thymus

spp

herb

Monument

EFG

Salsify

Tragopogon

porrifolius

Lowbush Blueberry

Vaccinium

Angustifolium

berries

EFG

Grape

Vitis

spp

vine (large)

20'

fruit

CO grape growers' guide: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/550a.pdf

Will produce after 3rd year. Require heavy pruning each year thereafter.

Egyptian Onions

CRMPI

Good King Henry

Stanley Plum