Fat-hen
Atriplex prostrata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CT, DE, MA, MD and 9 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Fat-hen is a low-growing annual herb with triangular, succulent-like leaves that form spreading mats. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers from summer through early fall. This salt-tolerant plant is often found growing wild in disturbed soils and along roadsides.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fat-hen takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears weedy and unkempt
- Self-seeds aggressively
- Often considered a weed rather than ornamental plant
Wildlife value
This plant provides seeds for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall. The foliage may support some native moth caterpillars, though it's not a major pollinator plant.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Fat-hen fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.