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Common Name: Sea Grass

General Information

Phyllospadix torreyi is a

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Habitat

Intertidal zone; -15 m; B.C.; California., Oregon.; Mexico (Baja California).

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The main problem with this plant is that it is likely to require maritime conditions and possibly also periodic inundation in salt water, so it might not be possible to cultivate the plant under normal garden conditions.

Edible Uses

The entire plant, including the long salty-tasting leaves, were formed into square cakes and dried as a winter food by some native North American Indian tribes[].
Roots - raw or cooked[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bleached leaves have been used to make baskets[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if this is possible in a greenhouse and perhaps adding some salt to the soil. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.