Sandwort (Spergularia rubra)

Family: Caryophyllaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Spergularia rubra is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Dried and ground into a meal then used with flour for making bread etc. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails. — Dried and ground into a meal then used with flour for making bread etc.; A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Open gravelly or sandy habitats. Sand dunes, heaths and coastal cliffs. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)