Glasswort
ExplorePlants
Glasswort
Salicornia
Glasswort is a unique plant that grows in salty marshes and coastal areas. It has succulent stems and leaves that store water, helping it survive in its salty habitat.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Glasswort has bright green, fleshy, jointed stems that look like miniature green coral. It lacks true leaves, with its segments often turning vibrant red or orange in late summer and fall.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAmaranthaceaeGenusSalicornia
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
In the past, burning glasswort helped make glass and soap!
It can turn dazzling shades of red, purple, and orange in autumn!
Some chefs call glasswort "sea beans" or "sea asparagus."
This plant tastes like the ocean and is super crunchy!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt Sponge
Glasswort can absorb and store salt in its fleshy stems, allowing it to thrive in extremely salty coastal environments.
Ability
Water Keeper
Glasswort has succulent stems storing water, helping it survive dry, salty conditions.
Ability
Soil Healer
Glasswort accumulates salt in its stems, making soil less salty when old parts drop.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Spread
- 10-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.1-0.3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late_summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Brent Goose
Branta bernicla
feeds on succulent stems
eaten by
Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
consumes seeds and plant parts
shelters
Common Periwinkle
Littorina littorea
hides among stems at high tide
Traits
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
PickleweedSalicornSalicorniaSea Asparagus
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Avoid touching or eating plants in the wild without adult supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Glasswort?
10-40 cm
How wide does Glasswort spread?
10-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Glasswort?
0.1-0.3 cm
When does Glasswort bloom?
Late_summer
Is Glasswort edible?
Yes
Is Glasswort toxic?
None
What is Glasswort's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Glasswort pollinated?
Wind
Snap Map
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