Sea Aster
Aster tripolium

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A short annual herb. It does not have hairs. It may live for a few years. The stems are erect and reddish. The leaves are fleshy and narrow or sword shaped. They are rounded in cross section. They half clasp the stem. The upper leaves do not have stalks. The flower heads have bright blue or purple rays. The disk is yellow. The flowers are 8-20 mm across. They are in large flat topped panicles.

There are about 250 Aster species. Chemical composition (stem): Ash = 8.4%; (leaf) = 9.0% (chiefly sodium chloride).

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in coastal habitats in the Mediterranean. It can be in salty locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Britain, China, Europe, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mediterranean, North Africa, Norway, Portugal, Scandinavia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The fleshy leaves are pickled. The leaves can be used in salads.

Edible parts

Leaves, shoots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tripolium vulgare;