Thrift
ExplorePlants
Thrift
Armeria Willd.
Thrift is a cheerful little flower that grows in clumps on the ground. Its pink or white flowers look like fluffy balls and are loved by many insects.
Habitat: Coastal areas and rocky shores
Appearance
The Thrift is a small, clumping perennial plant with narrow, grass-like leaves forming a dense cushion. It features vibrant pink to purple globe-shaped flower heads, resembling tiny pompoms, atop slender, leafless stalks, making it stand out against coastal rocks and sandy soils.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPlumbaginaceaeGenusArmeria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific name, Armeria, might come from a Celtic word for 'by the sea'!
The pretty flowers are sometimes used to make a natural pink dye!
Thrift is also known as 'Sea Pink' because of where it grows and its flower color!
You can find some types of Thrift growing high up in mountains, not just by the ocean!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt-Proof Survivor
Thrift can tolerate high salt levels in soil and air, helping it thrive right by the sea.
Ability
Anchor Root System
Thrift has a deep taproot that helps it anchor firmly in unstable sandy or rocky soils.
Ability
Wind Shield
Thrift grows in dense, low cushions that protect its leaves from strong coastal winds and harsh conditions.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1.5-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Visits flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Six-spot Burnet Moth
Zygaena filipendulae
Larvae feed on leaves.
Traits
Perennial
Perennial plants live for more than two years, typically returning to grow and bloom each year from their roots.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
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
ArmeriaSea Pink
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Thrift?
10-30 cm
How wide does Thrift spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Thrift?
1.5-3 cm
When does Thrift bloom?
Spring to summer
Is Thrift edible?
Yes
Is Thrift toxic?
None
What is Thrift's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Thrift pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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