The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: California Sea Blite

General Information

Suaeda californica is a Shrub up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - California.

Habitat

Intertidal margins of coastal salt marshes[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country.
Suaeda californica is an endangered species with a current distribution only on the margins of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County and a re-established colony in San Francisco Bay[].
It dislikes shade, see the plants native range for other ideas on its cultivation needs.

Edible Uses

One report says that either the seed or the leaves are edible[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but it would probably succeed from an outdoor sowing in mid spring in situ. Only just cover the seed.
If you only have a small quantity of seed then it would be safer to sow this in a cold frame in the winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.