Holly's Homestead — Native Bush Food
Old Man Saltbush
Atriplex nummularia · Chenopodiaceae, native to Australia
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Perennial shrub, native to Australia
MATURITY 1–2 years to good production
TYPE Perennial shrub, native to Australia
MATURITY 1–2 years to good production
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low, drought-tolerant once established
Soil pH
6.0–9.0
Spacing
2–3m
Depth
as per pot
01Edible leaves, not just fodder
Long used as stock fodder, Old Man Saltbush's silvery leaves are also good eating for people — naturally salty, high in protein, and usable fresh or dried as a seasoning. It's also one of the most climate-flexible plants on this site, tolerating everything from cool temperate to arid conditions.
02Planting
Method
Plant from a nursery pot; also strikes reasonably well from cuttings.
Soil
Tolerates almost any soil, including clay, sand, and saline ground.
Timing
Plant in spring or autumn, avoiding the hottest part of summer while establishing.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Water regularly while establishing; after that, happy on rainfall alone in most areas.
- Prune lightly after flowering to keep a dense, productive shrub shape.
- No feeding needed — this native thrives in poor, lean soil.
- Harvest leaves regularly; picking encourages fresh new growth.
04Problems
- Very few pests — a hardy, trouble-free native.
- Waterlogging — the main risk; ensure sharp drainage.
- Leggy growth — prune to keep it dense rather than sparse and woody.
- High humidity — the one climate this plant dislikes.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves are ready any time once the plant is established — pick young, silvery-grey leaves for the best flavour.
Method
Pick leaves by hand as needed; regular picking keeps new growth coming.
Curing
None needed fresh; can be dried for a long-life seasoning.
Storage
Fridge a few days fresh; dried leaves keep for months in an airtight container.
Preserving
See Dehydrating (drying for long-term storage) or Freezing Produce (freezing a harvest surplus) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Other salt-tolerant nativesAvoid nearby
Poorly drained, wet spotsRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial shrub.
