Atriplex patula grows to be between 50 and 80 centimetres (20 and 31 inches) tall.

[2] The branches extend outwards from the stem with rhomboid leaves and separated clusters of flowers.

[2] The species has a wide range, including semi-arid deserts and coastal areas in Asia, North America, Europe, and Africa.

[4] Although it is commonly asserted that the species has been naturalized in North America only since the 18th century,[5][6] seeds ascribed to this species occur on the west coast of North America in buried marsh deposits that predate European contact.

[7][8] The young leaves and shoots are edible raw or cooked and suffice as a spinach substitute,[9] but are bland on their own.