Virginia Glasswort

Salicornia virginica

Basic Information

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Genus: salicornia

Plant ID (slug): salicornia-virginica

Numeric ID: 22236

USDA Hardiness: 7-11

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Salicornia virginica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

W. Europe. Eastern and Western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young stems and seeds are edible. The stems are crisp and salty, suitable for eating raw, cooked, or pickled, but excessive salt intake is a concern. Seeds are small and enclosed in tough utricles, but once processed, they can be made into flour or porridge. Native Americans used the seeds as a grain in coastal areas [2-3]. Leaves - raw or cooked[172]. A salty flavour[207].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic The plant has been used externally in the treatment of arthritic pain, rheumatism, aches, pains and swellings[257].