Western Seapurslane
ExplorePlants
Western Seapurslane
Sesuvium verrucosum
Western Seapurslane is a fun, green plant that grows near the ocean! It has thick, fleshy leaves and pretty little flowers that can be pink or purple. This plant loves salty air and sandy soil.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Western Seapurslane is a low-growing, sprawling succulent plant. It has thick, fleshy, bright green leaves that often turn reddish or purplish, and reddish stems. Its small, star-shaped flowers are typically purplish-pink, distinguishing it with its vibrant, succulent appearance.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAizoaceaeGenusSesuvium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It produces tiny, shiny black seeds that are a food source for some wildlife!
Its leaves are sometimes called 'sea pickle' because they're crunchy and salty!
This amazing plant can actually help stabilize sandy coastal dunes!
When stressed, its usually green leaves can turn a beautiful reddish-purple!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt-Loving Survivor
Western Seapurslane can grow in very salty soils and tolerate brackish water, helping it thrive where most plants cannot.
Ability
Water Hoarder
Western Seapurslane has thick, succulent leaves that store precious water, helping it survive in dry, arid coastal environments.
Ability
Rapid Spreader
Western Seapurslane can quickly root along its creeping stems, helping it form dense mats and colonize open areas.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-30 cm
- Spread
- 30-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer-fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
forages for seeds from the plant.
symbiotic with
Saltgrass
Distichlis spicata
co-exists in salt-tolerant coastal habitats.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Marine
Marine habitats encompass all saltwater environments of the Earth's oceans, supporting an immense diversity of aquatic life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Western Seapurslane?
5-30 cm
How wide does Western Seapurslane spread?
30-100 cm
How big are the flowers on Western Seapurslane?
0.5-1.5 cm
When does Western Seapurslane bloom?
Summer-fall
Is Western Seapurslane edible?
Yes
Is Western Seapurslane toxic?
None
What is Western Seapurslane's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Western Seapurslane pollinated?
Insect
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