Black Saltwort (Glaux maritima)

Family: Primulaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Glaux maritima is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - raw or pickled. Roots - cooked. (This report refers to the sub-species G. maritima obtusifolia.) The roots can be harvested at almost any time of the year. — Young shoots - raw or pickled.; (This report refers to the sub-species G.; maritima obtusifolia.) The roots can be harvested at almost any time of the year.; The North American Indians would boil them for a long time before eating them.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy salt marshes, crevices of rocks, the foot of cliffs near the sea and saline districts inland. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)