California Sea Blite

Suaeda californica

Physical Characteristics

Suaeda californica is a SHRUB growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: One report says that either the seed or the leaves are edible[177].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known