Genus: Atriplex — orache
The lower leaves and the fruits are often important for identification of Atriplex species, but by fruiting time the lower leaves have often been shed. Try looking for fallen leaves on the ground. Most species of Atriplex produce distinctly different brown and black fruits. The brown fruits (ranging in color from brown to red-brown or yellow-brown) are larger and have a dull or barely glossy, somewhat soft outer surface. The black fruits are smaller, and have a glossy, hard outer surface. Reference: Taschereau (1972).
Family
Amaranthaceae (amaranth and goosefoot family)
This genus’s species in New England
- Atriplex acadiensis
- Atriplex cristata
- Atriplex glabriuscula
- Atriplex hortensis
- Atriplex littoralis
- Atriplex patula
- Atriplex prostrata
- Atriplex rosea
- Atriplex sibirica
- Atriplex subspicata
- Atriplex tatarica
Visit this genus in the Dichotomous Key