Atriplex, spreading, Atriplex patula
Weed Control Options 
Life Cycle
AnnualPropagation
Reproducing only by seed.Stems
Prostrate or nearly erect; at least the first 6 leaves opposite (2 per node), but usually alternate (1 per node) towards the ends of stems and branches; branching pattern therefore opposite near the base and alternate farther from the base.Leaves
Leaves linear to narrowly lance-shaped and with 1 or 2 lateral lobes and sometimes with a few teeth along the margins above the lobes, green, somewhat fleshy, mostly 1-5cm long.Flowers and Fruit
Flowers very small and unisexual; male flowers with only stamens and sepals (no pistil or petals); female flowers with only a single pistil (without stamens, petals or sepals) and enclosed between 2 green, triangular to broadly diamond-shaped bracts about 1-4mm long and wide, and 2 to 5 of these usually clustered together in the axils of smaller leaves along nearly all the stems and branches; both sexes on one plant. Flowers from July to September.Habitat
Spreading atriplex is a native plant in both saline and non-saline moist soils throughout Ontario but frequently occurs as a weed in gardens, waste areas, and row crops in the southern part of the province.Distinguishing Features
It is distinguished from Halbred-leaved atriplex by usually being prostrate, and by its narrower leaves without lobes or teeth and its wider leaves having a pair of lobes near the base that point outwards and upwards. It is distinguished from Lamb's-quarters by its several pairs of opposite leaves and branches, and its triangular to diamond-shaped bracts enclosing each flower.Media Items
Figure 1: Spreading atriplex A = Base of plant. B = Portion of flowering stem showing detail of triangular bracts enclosing each flower. Top
Figure 2: 2 leaf Spreading atriplex seedling. Top
Figure 3: Spreading atriplex leaf. Note the two lateral lobes at the base of the leaf. Top
Figure 4: Leaf bottom of spreading atriplex leaf. Top
Figure 5: Leaf top of spreading atriplex leaf. Top
Figure 6: Spreading atriplex in flower. Note the triangular to diamond-shaped bracts. Top
Figure 7: Mature spreading atriplex plant. Top