Virginia glasswort, Beach asparagus
Salicornia virginica
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
A fleshy herb. It is succulent and keeps growing from year to year. It can be 30 cm tall. The flowers are small and greenish and in clusters at the top of the plant. These turn red as they ripen.
Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in marshes and along beaches. It can tolerate salt water.
Countries/locations it is found in
Atlantic, Bahamas, Canada, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Haiti (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Jamaica (country/location of origin), North America, Pacific, Puerto Rico, USA, West Indies (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fleshy stems are used for food. They are cooked or pickled.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Pickleweed, Salmuera, Saltwort