General
Pickleweed is a Perennial Dicot.
Common Names
Annual Sea Asparagus, Pickleweed, Glasswort, Saltwort, Samphire
Family
Chenopodiaceae
Size
25cm longLeaves undeveloped, scale-like, to 1.5 mm base united into a sheath, margin membranous, apex acute. Inflorescence shortly pedunculate, spicate, 1-5 cm.Flowers axillary, 3 per bract, middle flower larger, located slightly above lateral flowers. Perianth fleshy, obconic.Stamens exserted; anthers oblong. Ovary ovoid; stigmas papillate. Pericarp membranous. Seed cylindric-ovoid, ca. 1.5 mm in diam.; testa subleathery, hooked hispid. Fl. and fr. Jan-Aug.
Geographic Range
Alaska to Mexico, India, Japan, Korea, Russia; SW Asia, Europe, North America
Elevation
Upper Intertidal
Reproduction
Flower heads terminating all stems. The flowers are hermaphrodite. Flowering late summer-early fall. Best time to collect seeds is around October 31st. Responds well to nitrogen based fertilizer including increased height.
Substrate
Light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils
Fresh Water Requirements
It requires moist soil
Shade
It cannot grow in the shade
Historic
The ashes of burnt plants are used in making glass and soapBiodiesel suggested. Has been used externally in the treatment of arthritic pain, rheumatism, aches, pains and swellings.