Sea Lavender, Lavender thrift
Limonium carolinianum

Family: Plumbaginaceae

What it is like

Limonium carolinianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Coastal salt flats.

Eastern N. America - Labrador to Florida and Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The roots contain tannin and are powerfully astringent. A decoction of the root has long been used as a popular domestic remedy for diarrhoea, dysentery etc and are also used to treat sore mouths, cankers etc. The dried and powdered root is applied to old ulcers or piles.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well drained soil and a sunny position. Plants are well-suited to coastal gardens and dry soils. Hardy to about -20°c.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very difficult.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Statice caroliniana.