Atriplex erecticaulis
Earlimart orach
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Atriplex erecticaulis (Earlimart orach) is a native California herb in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by cordate leaf bases and central tooth equal to or smaller than others distinguish from var. cordulata.
Earlimart orach is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the San Joaquin Valley in saline or alkaline soils at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from August to September, this plant produces small, unremarkable flowers with distinctive fan-shaped or deltate bracts that become prominent in fruit. Growing to about 30 to 50 centimeters tall with erect stems, it develops a delicate, upright branching structure. Its leaves are likely small and somewhat succulent, adapting to the challenging saline environments where it grows. The fruit bracts are particularly noteworthy, with a central tooth that is typically shorter than the surrounding edges, a key identifying characteristic of this rare variety.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 22 sympatric species; cordate leaf bases and central tooth equal to or smaller than others distinguish from var. cordulata
Habitat and range
Habitat: Saline or alkaline soils
Elevation: < 100 m
Bloom period
Atriplex erecticaulis blooms Aug-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Artemisia: Atriplex leaves have bead-like scales; Artemisia leaves are finely divided and aromatic when crushed.; vs Ambrosia: Atriplex has simple scaly leaves; Ambrosia has deeply lobed or divided leaves with coarse hairs.; vs Extriplex: Atriplex has 3-5 calyx lobes on male flowers and two seed colors; Extriplex has exactly 4 lobes and uniform dark seeds.; vs Chenopodium: Atriplex has bead-like bladder hairs and paired fruit bracts; Chenopodium has mealy powder and calyx-enclosed fruits.; vs Eriogonum: Atriplex has scaly leaves and paired fruit bracts; Eriogonum has smooth leaves and papery flower tubes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atriplex erecticaulis native to California?
Yes. Atriplex erecticaulis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex erecticaulis bloom?
Atriplex erecticaulis blooms Aug-Sep.
What plant family does Atriplex erecticaulis belong to?
Atriplex erecticaulis is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
Is Atriplex erecticaulis rare or endangered?
Atriplex erecticaulis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
What habitat does Atriplex erecticaulis grow in?
Atriplex erecticaulis grows in Saline or alkaline soils.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.