Pursh seepweed
Suaeda depressa

Family: Chenopodiaceae

What it is like

Suaeda depressa is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Usually found on highly alkaline or saline soils by the coast.

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A salty flavour. Seed - raw or cooked.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

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 this country. There is some confusion over this name, could it be S. calceoliformis. It dislikes shade, see the plants native range for other ideas on its cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Suaeda calceoliformis. Schoberia occidentalis. Suaeda minutiflora