Sea Blite, Herbaceous seepweed, Rich's seepweed
Suaeda maritima
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Suaeda maritima is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Salt marshes and sea shores, usually below the high water mark of spring tides.
European coasts and saline areas inland, south from Norway to eastern Asia, E. Indies, N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Young leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant salty flavour, they make a nice addition in small quantities to a salad. They are often mixed with other vegetables in order to reduce their saltiness. The young shoots are pickled in vinegar and eaten on their own or used as a relish. Seed - raw or cooked.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The ashes of the plant provide a soda that is used in making glass and soap.
Potash: Used for making glass, soap and as a fertilizer.
How it is grown
Dislikes shade. See the plants native habitat for other ideas on its cultivation needs.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist