Atriplex subtilis
Subtle orach, Subtle Orach
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Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Atriplex subtilis (Subtle orach) is a native California herb in the Chenopodiaceae family, recognized by tiny leaves, red peeling stems, and restricted habitat distinctive.
Subtle orach is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in the San Joaquin Valley in saline depressions at elevations below 70 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces small, white-scaly leaves with delicate flowers. Growing with slender, spreading branches 30 centimeters tall, its stems are reddish and tend to peel. Its leaves are generally opposite, with small ovate-triangular blades 2 to 4 millimeters long covered in white scales. The fruits develop distinctive bracts 2 to 3 millimeters long with irregular teeth and tubercles on both surfaces.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 22 sympatric species; tiny leaves, red peeling stems, and restricted habitat distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Saline depressions
Elevation: < 70 m
California counties: Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Butte, Madera, Merced, Kern, Stanislaus
Bloom period
Atriplex subtilis blooms Jun-Oct.
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 subtilis native to California?
Yes. Atriplex subtilis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Atriplex subtilis bloom?
Atriplex subtilis blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Atriplex subtilis grow?
Atriplex subtilis occurs in Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Butte, Madera, Merced, Kern, Stanislaus, at elevations of < 70 m.
What plant family does Atriplex subtilis belong to?
Atriplex subtilis is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Atriplex.
Is Atriplex subtilis rare or endangered?
Atriplex subtilis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.