Warrigal Greens - Australia's Native Spinach
Quick Facts
Common name: Warrigal Greens / Native Spinach
Scientific name: Tetragonia tetragonioides
Grows naturally: Most of Australia (excluding NT)
Plant type: Creeping groundcover
Edible parts: Leaves
Flavour: Mild, spinach-like
Best uses: Stir-fries, omelettes, quiches, salads
Availability: Year-round in warm climates
About Warrigal Greens
Next time you go to the beach, you may have walked straight past Warrigal Greens without realising it. This lush, creeping groundcover grows naturally along Australia’s coastline and has long been used as a native alternative to spinach. Its fleshy, triangular leaves store water, helping the plant survive dry conditions once established.
Cooking & Kitchen Use
Warrigal Greens can be used much like spinach or Asian greens. Before eating, the leaves should always be blanched or steamed briefly to remove natural oxalates. Once prepared, they are incredibly versatile and work beautifully in stir-fries, omelettes, quiches and fresh salads.
Recipes
A favourite way to enjoy Warrigal Greens is in our Bushfood Cob Loaf with Wattleseed & Native Spinach Dip. This comforting, share-style recipe combines blanched Warrigal Greens with aromatic wattleseed for an easy introduction to cooking with native ingredients.
Growing Warrigal Greens
Warrigal Greens thrive in full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained, sandy soil. They tolerate poor soils but perform best in moist, nutrient-rich conditions. Extremely fast-growing, they are ideal for filling garden gaps, covering bare soil or growing in pots. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth.
Garden Benefits
• Excellent living groundcover
• Highly drought tolerant once established
• Tolerates salty, coastal conditions
• Helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture
Where to Buy
Warrigal Greens plants are available from
The Bush Nursery – Grown on Country
https://thebushnursery-grownoncountry.com/products/warrigal-greens
