Tetragonia tetragonoides – Warrigal Greens

Tetragonia tetragonoides - bush spinach

Tetragonia, Warrigal greens, or New Zealand spinach, is a low growing, perennial, edible groundcover with a trailing habit. It grows in poor, dry conditions, but an open position with moist, light fertile soil will produce a flourishing plant. It is frost sensitive.

This plant is also native to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Chile and Argentina, and is not related to true spinach, but the leaves can be used in a similar way. Like true spinach, it is high in iron, beta carotene and folic acid, and like spinach, it contains oxalates. The oxalates can be lessened by blanching in very hot water and draining off the water before use.

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Tetragonia tetragonoides - bush spinach
Tetragonia tetragonoides - bush spinach

Family : Aizoaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Ground cover

Width : 2

Flowering Time : Summer, Autumn

Soil Type : Sandy, Sandy loam, Potting mix, Saline, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Semi-arid

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Open foliage, Spreading, Mound-shaped

Soil Moisture : Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Special Uses : Edible, Pipe and drain friendly, Fast growing, Playground friendly

Scientific Name: Tetragonia tetragonoides

Common Name : Warrigal Greens

Height : 0.5

Flower Color : Yellow

pH Level : Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Container growing, Coastal garden

Light : Sunny, Light shade

Lifespan : Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Mammals