Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Crithmum maritimum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste is more bitter and brackish. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Vaguely reminiscent of fennel, but the taste is more bitter and brackish.; A powerful salty flavour, it has been described by one person as tasting like 'a mixture of celery and kerosene'.; The leaves are used as a flavouring in salads etc.

Habitat & North American Range

On cliffs and rocks, or more rarely on shingle or sand, by the sea. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)