Pacific swampfire
Sarcocornia pacifica
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Sarcocornia pacifica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Sandy sea strands and borders of salt marshes.
All along the coasts of eastern and western N. America, except the far north.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and stems - cooked or pickled.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
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. This species is closely related to Sarcocornia perennis. The plants native habitat will give some idea of its cultivation needs.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise in spring, in a greenhouse in a light sandy compost. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division might be possible in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist