Luckily, from a wild edible standpoint, determining the exact species of Atriplex is unimportant – all are edible (as are the two less-related look alikes: lamb's quarters and green amaranth).

Is atriplex edible?

Atriplex cristata, said AT-ree-plex kriss-STAY-tuh, is one of a large genus whose leaves and seeds are eaten around the world. More than two dozen Atriplex are edible, and probably more. Atriplex is the ancient named used by Pliny for the orache, also know as A. hortensis.

Is spear saltbush edible?

You can eat Orache leaves raw in a salad or fry them up in a little olive oil. Substitute it for some of your spinach recipes.