Utah Pickleweed, Utah Swampfire
Sarcocornia utahensis

Family: Chenopodiaceae

What it is like

Sarcocornia utahensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). 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). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Saline and alkaline marshes and flats, coastal marshes at elevations of 0 - 1200 metres.

Southwestern N. America - California, Utah, Texas, New Mexico and Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - raw or cooked.

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.

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: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Salicornia utahensis. Sarcocornia pacifica (Standl.) A.J. Scott var. utahensis (Tidestr.) Munz