Sea Thrift
ExplorePlants
Sea Thrift
Armeria maritima
Sea Thrift is a pretty plant with pink flowers that grows near the sea. It likes sandy soil and can be found along coastlines. Bees love to visit Sea Thrift for its sweet nectar.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Sea Thrift has dense, grass-like leaves forming a cushion at its base. From this cushion emerge slender stems topped with globe-shaped clusters of small, delicate pink or purple flowers. These vibrant blooms stand out strikingly against its often rocky coastal habitat.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPlumbaginaceaeGenusArmeria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its delicate look, Sea Thrift can live for many years, happily clinging to rocky cliffs!
Its common name 'thrift' means to thrive, showing how well it grows in tough spots!
Sea Thrift is a 'pioneer plant', often the first to grow in new, harsh coastal areas.
Some people call it 'lady's cushion' because its dense leaves look like a soft pillow on the ground.
Special abilities
Ability
Salt Shield
Sea Thrift can grow in salty soil because its special roots and leaves tolerate high salt levels, helping it thrive where others can't.
Ability
Wind Warrior
Its short, compact growth and strong, flexible stems help Sea Thrift withstand powerful coastal winds without breaking or being uprooted.
Ability
Water Saver
Sea Thrift has narrow, almost succulent-like leaves that help it store water and reduce moisture loss in dry, exposed coastal environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar from its vibrant pink flowers.
pollinates
White-tailed bumblebee
Bombus lucorum
Visits flowers for nectar, contributing to seed production.
pollinates
Small white butterfly
Pieris rapae
Feeds on nectar, helping to spread pollen.
Traits
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
Marsh Thrift
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy Sea Thrift from a distance and avoid picking its flowers to let bees and butterflies enjoy them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Sea Thrift?
10-30 cm
How wide does Sea Thrift spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Sea Thrift?
1-2.5 cm
When does Sea Thrift bloom?
Spring to Summer
Is Sea Thrift edible?
Yes
Is Sea Thrift toxic?
None
What is Sea Thrift's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Sea Thrift pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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