Useful Nova Scotia Plants

Plants

Samphire, glasswort

Common name

Samphire, glasswort

Latin name

Salicornia spp.

Characters

These species are unique amongst our vascular plants. They are small colonial succulent and leafless herbs. Small bracts serve as leaves alternating along the stem. Flowers are miniscule, limited to pits along an upper branch. Plants are green until fall when they turn red.

Habit

Herb

Edible Portion

Plant

Habitat

Coastal mud, tidal flats, dykeland washed with occasional saltwater; saltmarshes

Geography

Around the entire coast where habitat is suitable

Used For

Delicious raw, crunchy like celery.
Photo: Martin Thomas