Dwarf Glasswort, Dwarf saltwort
Salicornia bigelovii

Family: Chenopodiaceae

What it is like

Salicornia bigelovii is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Salt marshes by the coast, often colonising new areas of mud flats through its prolific seed production.

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida and Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Young leaves and stems - cooked or pickled. The raw seed is inedible due to the presence of saponins, though these remain in the seed-meal when the oil is extracted. The seed contains about 30% of an edible oil and 35% protein. The oil is highly polyunsaturated and similar to safflower oil (Carthamnus tinctorius) in fatty-acid composition. It has a pleasant nut-like flavour and a texture similar to olive oil.

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The seed contains about 30% oil.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The plants native habitat will give some idea of its cultivation needs. Recent research has shown this plant to have excellent potential as a commercial crop in arid and desert regions near the sea. It needs irrigation, which can sustainably be provided by using sea water.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in situ as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise sow in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The seed contains saponins. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisable to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Salicornia mucronata Bigelow, non Lag.