Golden Samphire
Inula crithmoides
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Inula crithmoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Salt marshes, shingle banks and maritime cliffs and rocks on the south and west coasts of Britain.
Coasts of Europe, including Britain, and western Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked. They are occasionally used as a potherb. The fleshy leaves and young shoots are pickled and used as a relish in salads etc. They are sometimes used as an adulterant of the true samphire, Crithmum maritimum.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil in a sunny position. One report says that the plant dislikes shade whilst another says that it succeeds in a shady border. The plant needs to be watered frequently and given some salt occasionally.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, it is worthwhile trying a sowing in situ in the spring or the autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist