Sarcocornia pacifica
(Standl.) A. J. Scott
Pacific swampfire, Beach asparagus
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(c) Dan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Dan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc0
no rights reserved
Summary
A perennial reaching 0.6 m tall, flowering August to September with seeds maturing September to October. Hermaphroditic and wind-pollinated. Grows in light to heavy soils, mildly acidic to basic pH, and saline conditions; requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.
Description
A herb that keeps growing from year to year. The stems are smooth and fleshy. They are jointed with branches that come out opposite. The leaves are opposite and reduced to scales. The flowers are very small and in 3 sunk into the fleshy top of the stalks.
Edible Uses
The leaves and stems can be eaten cooked or pickled.
Traditional Uses
The young plants are used for salads and also for pickles.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a cold temperate plant. It grows on beaches.
Where It Grows
Alaska, North America, USA,
Propagation
No specific information is available for this species. Sow seed as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in spring, in a greenhouse in a light sandy compost. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in summer. Division may be possible in spring.
Other Uses
None known
Synonyms
References (2)
- Heller, C. A., 1962, Wild Edible and Poisonous Plants of Alaska. Univ. of Alaska Extension Service. p 28 (As Salicornea pacifica)
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 518
